Semi Colons and Colons

Colons to Introduce Lists Use a colon to introduce a list, especially after words such as these, the following, or as follows. The science test Friday will cover these areas: the circulatory system, the digestive system, and the nervous system. He requested the following: a hammer, a screwdriver, four nails, and a level.

Colons to Introduce Lists Continued Do not use a colon to introduce a list if the list immediately follows a verb or a preposition. The best nonanimal sources of protein are soybeans, wheat germ, nuts, and whole grain. My sister likes to top her hamburger with lettuce, tomato, cheese, mustard, and ketchup.

Colons to Introduce Illustrations or restatements Use a colon to introduce material that illustrates, explains, or restates the preceding material A complete sentence following a colon is capitalized. I often wish that my parents had had more than one child: They worry too much about me.

Colons to Introduce Quotations Use a colon to introduce a long or formal quotation. A formal quotation is often preceded by such words as this, these, the following, or as follows. Mrs. Hopkins asked us to write an essay on the following African saying: “It is the rainy season that gives wealth.”

Other Uses of Colons Use a colon between the hour and the minute of the precise time, between the chapter and verse of a Biblical reference, and after the salutation of a business/formal letter. 12:15 Ruth 1:16-17 Sir: Dear Ms. Snow:

Assignment Writer’s Choice page 734 exercise 3

Semicolons to Separate Main Clauses Use a semicolon to separate main clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, and for). Paul Roberson was an excellent singer and actor; he was also a talented football player. Paul Roberson was an excellent singer and actor, and he was also a talented football player.

Semicolons and Commas Use a semicolon to separate main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, nevertheless, moreover, furthermore, and subsequently) or by expressions such as for example or that is. Roberson appeared in many plays and musicals; for example, he starred in Othello and Porgy and Bess. Roberson appeared in Show Boat in 1926; subsequently, he acted in the films Jericho and Song of Freedom.

Semicolons and Commas Use a semicolon to separate the items in a series when the items contain commas. Some of the powerful African kingdoms that flourished before the sixteenth century were Kush, which dominated the eastern Sudan; Karanga, which was located around Zimbabawe in southern Africa; Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, successively controlled the Niger River in West Africa; and Benin, which had its center in what is now Nigeria.

Semicolons and Commas Use a semicolon to separate two main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when the clause already has several commas. The rule of Mansa Musa, the Moslem emperor of the African kingdom of Mali from 1312 to 1337 is remembered for military success, trade expansion, and Moslem scholarship; but this period is probably the most noteworthy as a golden age of peace and prosperity.

Assignment Writer’s Choice pages 735-737 exercises 4-6