The Colon, Semi-Colon, and the Dash By Christian and John

Uses of the Colon: As a rule, a colon informs the reader that what follows proves, clarifies, explains, or simply enumerates elements of what is referred to before. A colon is used to introduce a list. It can be a formal introduction using, “ as follows, ” or less formal. The ceremony to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. included everything: a moving introduction, a recitation of his achievements, a series of testimonials, and a stirring speech of his achievements.

As Follows The questions were as follows: Where did you last work? For how long? What was your job title? What were your primary achievements?

Introducing a quotation or formal statement The colon is used to introduce a quotation or formal statement. An independent clause must precede the colon. The statement following the colon begins with a capital letter. Remember this: Don't waste time, don't waste money, but — most important of all — don't waste your energies and talents. The speaker made the following observation: “ In the future, communication between people all over the world will lead not to an enriched culture but to a homogenous one. ”

Introducing a restatement or explanation (THAT IS = Colon) A colon may be used between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the first clause. His reason for accepting the lowest-paying job offer was simple: He had always wanted to live in the Northwest.

Use of the Dash Think of the dash as indicating an interruption you want to draw attention to. Other punctuation marks — commas and parentheses — serve similar purposes. Commas are more neutral.

Interrupting a sentence If you want to interrupt your sentence with a phrase or clause, consider using a dash, or if your sentence continues after the interruption, a pair of dashes. She was extraordinarily tall — the tallest woman I'd ever seen. To some of you, my proposals may seem radical--even revolutionary. She walked in — the tallest woman I'd ever seen — and took a seat at the counter.

Introducing a restatement or explanation Like a colon, a dash can be used to introduce an explanation or restatement in place of expressions such as that is, in other words, or namely. Begin the clause after the dash with a lower-case letter. The reporter relentlessly pursued the woman — he was determined to get her to respond. Although the colon and dash are frequently interchangeable in this function, the dash is less formal.

Using the Semi-colon to Clarify In addition to using a semicolon to join related independent clauses in compound sentences, you can use a semicolon to separate items in a series if the elements of the series already include commas. Members of the band include Harold Rostein, clarinetist; Tony Aluppo, tuba player; and Lee Jefferson, trumpeter.

The Clarifying Semi-Colon Staff on this multinational airliner may come from such European countries as France, The Czech Republic, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Germany etc.; or they may come from Asian countries such as Singapore, Korea or The Philippines; or they may come from Latin American countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Peru

I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there. You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc. For example: It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway. They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.