Punctuation

Meet Period What it does: Separates ideas. What it “says”: “We are done with this thought. Let’s move on.” What it cannot do: Connect ideas It’s kind of like a: Wall that divides two properties

Meet Comma What it does: Joins a smaller idea to the main idea What it “says”: “And one more thing that connects here...” What it cannot do: Connect two big ideas (ICs) It’s kind of like a: Hook connecting a train car to the engine

Meet Semicolon What it does: Connects two similar main ideas (IC) What it “says”: “There is more to this sentence.” “Here’s another thought that relates to this first one.” What it cannot do: Act like (or be replaced by) a comma It’s kind of like a: Super glue A matchmaker A bridge between NYC and Jersey City

Meet Colon What it does: Adds emphasis on whatever comes after it Introduces a quote or a list What it “says” “Ta-da!” “Drumroll please...” “Pay attention this is important!” What it cannot do: Connect two dependent clauses It’s kind of like a: Ringmaster at a circus Spotlight

Listen up: You should know this fact: a colon can be used to introduce and emphasize important ideas EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO LIST Here is one more reminder: there is not always a list after a colon. Something else besides a list can come after a colon: one really important statement.

Try this: Holicong “sevvies” must remember one thing: obey and serve the ninth graders. Teachers repeat the same refrain all year: be quiet. Sometimes there is only one right way to act: properly There he was, standing right in front of me: Blum- tober-fest.

Try this: Holicong “sevvies” must remember one thing: Teachers repeat the same refrain all year: Sometimes there is only one right way to act: There he was, standing right in front of me:

Semicolons and Colons

Which one of these is incorrect?