How to Fix Semicolons & Colons (Without a Doctor)

1. How to Fix Semicolons & Colons (Without a Doctor)

2. Semicolon Rule #1: • Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses if they are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, OR yet. • Example: Bill had won his race;he caught his breath and drank some water before the finals.

3. Semicolon Rule #2 • Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression which is followed by a comma. • I wanted to go to the mall; however, I didn’t have any money. • Example: Hannah decided not to braid her hair; instead, she wore a ponytail. • Gene turned his car’s engine; as a result, his gas mileage was better.

4. Conjunctive adverbs or Transitional Words to Look for: accordingly furthermore moreover similarly also hence still anyway however nevertheless then besides incidentally next thereafter certainly indeed nonetheless therefore consequently instead now thus finally likewise otherwise undoubtedly further meanwhile

5. Semicolon Rule #3 • Use a semicolon instead of a comma when you are joining independent clauses when the clauses have commas within in them. • Example: One day I would like to visit London, England; Venice, Italy; and Sydney, Australia.

6. Colon Rule #1 • Use a colon before a list of items, especially after such expressions as “as follows” & “the following.” - Example: When I go to the beach I take the following items: towels, sunscreen, drinks, and magazines. • TIP: Do not use a colon if the last word before the list of items is a verb. -Example: My favorite foods are pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna.

7. Colon Rule #2 • Use a colon before a long, formal statement or quotation. • Example: President John F. Kennedy stated: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

8. Colon Rule #3 • Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the first, or between a title and its subtitle. • Example: Davie and many of his friends were late for school: They were on their way when the school bus’ transmission seized up, and then they had to wait for another bus to pick them up. • Example: Genealogy: A Practical Research Guide

9. Colon Rule #4 • Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence • Examples:I enjoy reading: novels by Kurt Vonnegut are among my favorites.Garlic is used in Italian cooking: It greatly enhances the flavor of pasta dishes.

10. Miscellaneous Colon Rules • Use a colon between Bible chapter and verse • Genesis 2:34-36 • Use a colon when showing time of day • 3:15 • Use a colon in the salutation of a business letter • Dear Mr. Copeland: