Semicolons & colons 23a23e 23b23f 23c23g 23d 23a23e 23b23f 23c23g 23d 23a23e 23b23f 23c23g 23d

23a. Semicolons Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in thought and that are not joined by a FANBOYS.Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in thought and that are not joined by a FANBOYS. EX: Everyone else in my family excels in a particular sport; I seem to be the only exception. EX: Everyone else in my family excels in a particular sport; I seem to be the only exception. EX: The river is rising rapidly; it is expected to crest by noon. EX: The river is rising rapidly; it is expected to crest by noon.

23b. semicolons Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. EX: Leonor is planning to become an engineer; however, she is also interested in graphic design. EX: Leonor is planning to become an engineer; however, she is also interested in graphic design. EX: Only two people registered for the pottery lessons; as a result, the class was cancelled. EX: Only two people registered for the pottery lessons; as a result, the class was cancelled.

23b. semicolons AccordinglyHoweverMoreoverBesides AlsoNeverthelessConsequentlyInstead IndeedNextStillThen OtherwiseFurthermoreMeanwhileTherefore Commonly Used Conjunctive Adverbs As a resultFor exampleFor instanceIn fact In spite ofIn conclusionIn other words That is Commonly Used Transitional Expressions

23c. semicolons You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas. CONFUSING: June sat with Tony, Pat, and me, and Josh sat with Flora, Zack, and Geraldo. CONFUSING: June sat with Tony, Pat, and me, and Josh sat with Flora, Zack, and Geraldo. CLEAR: June sat with Tony, Pat, and me; and Josh sat with Flora, Zack, and Geraldo. CLEAR: June sat with Tony, Pat, and me; and Josh sat with Flora, Zack, and Geraldo.

23D. Semicolons Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. EX: In 1990, the three largest cities in the United States were New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois. EX: In 1990, the three largest cities in the United States were New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois. EX: You may turn in your book reports on Thursday, September 14; Friday, September 15; Monday, September 18; or Tuesday, September 19. EX: You may turn in your book reports on Thursday, September 14; Friday, September 15; Monday, September 18; or Tuesday, September 19.

23e. Colons Use a colon to mean “note what follows.”Use a colon to mean “note what follows.” 1. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as the following and as follows.1. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as the following and as follows. EX: In Washington, D.C., we visited four important national sites: the White House, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. EX: In Washington, D.C., we visited four important national sites: the White House, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. EX: The only articles allowed in the examination area are as follows: pencils, compasses, rulers, and protractors. EX: The only articles allowed in the examination area are as follows: pencils, compasses, rulers, and protractors.

23e. Colons 2. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or quotation.2. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or quotation. EX: Thomas Pain’s first pamphlet in the series The American Crisis starts with these famous words: EX: Thomas Pain’s first pamphlet in the series The American Crisis starts with these famous words: These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in the crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

23f. colons Use a colon before a statement that explains or clarifies a preceding statement.Use a colon before a statement that explains or clarifies a preceding statement. EX: He deserves a raise: He completed the project on schedule and under budget. EX: He deserves a raise: He completed the project on schedule and under budget. EX: Preston slapped his forehead: He had forgotten to put oregano in the sauce. EX: Preston slapped his forehead: He had forgotten to put oregano in the sauce.

23g. colons Use a colon in certain conventional situations.Use a colon in certain conventional situations. 1. Use a colon between the hour and the minute.1. Use a colon between the hour and the minute. EX: 6:15 EX: 6:15 2. Use a colon between chapter & verse in Biblical references2. Use a colon between chapter & verse in Biblical references EX: Psalms 8:9 EX: Psalms 8:9 3. Use a colon between a title and a subtitle3. Use a colon between a title and a subtitle EX: Friends : “The One With Ross’s Tan” EX: Friends : “The One With Ross’s Tan” 4. Use a colon after a salutation of a business letter.4. Use a colon after a salutation of a business letter. EX: Dear Sir or Madam: EX: Dear Sir or Madam: