ELA 9 Semicolons & Colons

The Basics Not just for emoticons ;) ; = semicolon : = colon

Semicolon Usage 1 Joins 2 independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis. Road construction on Union Lake Road has hindered travel around town; my route home is now covered with detour signs.

Semicolon Usage 2 Joins 2 independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, nonetheless, etc.) or a transition (in fact, for example, in addition, etc.). The Beauty Project has taken over English 11; in fact, we’ve spent eight days in the lab already!

Semicolon Usage 3 Joins elements of a series when individual items of the series already include commas. Ms. Stuckey’s closest friends live in Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; and Washington, D.C.

Colon Usage 1 Joins 2 independent clauses when you wish to emphasize the second clause. Construction on Union Lake Road has hindered travel around town: parts of Newton and Commerce Roads are extremely congested during the construction.

Colon Usage 2 Use after an independent clause when it is followed by a list, a quotation, appositive, or other idea directly related to the independent clause. Mrs. Stuckey went over the problems with the grammar: subject/verb agreement, apostrophes, commas, and semi-colons. In Of Mice and Men, George reminds Lennie of the farm: “Look down there acrost the river, like you can almost see the place” (Steinbeck 106). I know the perfect career for Chris: an actor.

Colon Usage 3 Use a colon at the end of a business letter greeting. To Whom It May Concern: