SEMICOLONS

The big game is tomorrow; I’m mentally prepared. Everyone else in my family excels in a particular sport; I seem to be the only exception. The river is rising rapidly; it is expected to crest by noon. Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related and not already joined by a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating Conjunctions: and, but, or nor, for, so, yet

SEMICOLONS The garden was my idea; therefore, I should be in charge of it. Lisa is planning to become an engineer; however, she is also interested in graphic design. Only two people registered for the pottery lesson; as a result, the class was canceled. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.

ACCORDINGLYMOREOVERAS A RESULT ALSOCONSEQUENTLYIN SPITE OF INDEEDSTILLFOR EXAMPLE OTHERWISEMEANWHILEIN CONCLUSION HOWEVERBESIDESFOR INSTANCE NEVERTHELESSINSTEADIN OTHER WORDS NEXTTHENIN FACT FURTHERMORETHEREFORETHAT IS CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS AND TRANSITIONAL PHRASES

SEMICOLONS On Tuesday, March 11, we will be in Atlanta; and the day after that, we will be in Chicago. Jack sat with Tony, Pat, and me; and Josh sat with Fred, Zach, and George. Searching for the house key, I found a dime, a nickel, and a penny; and John, my brother, found his lost watch. Use a semicolon instead of commas before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.

COLONS USE A COLON TO MEAN “NOTE WHAT FOLLOWS”

COLONS The duties of this job are as follows: help unload the delivery trucks, sweep the aisles, and stack items on the shelves. In Washington, D.C., we visited four important national sites: the White House, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Monument. During summer vacation, Jan read biographies of the following people: John Quincy Adams and Mahatma Gandhi. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as the following and as follows.

COLONS At the amusement park, we rode the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, the bumper cars, and the water slide. Our family has lived in California, Arizona, and Texas. Do not use a colon between a verb and its complements or between a preposition and its objects.

COLONS Then he addressed the crowd: “Many of you here have become discouraged. You feel that no one cares that this power plant is polluting your water and your air. Don’t give up though. Together we are making progress, and together we will shut this thing down!” Patrick Henry offered these words on freedom: “Give me liberty or give me death.” Use a colon before a long, formal statement or quotation.

COLONS He deserves a raise: He completed the project on schedule and under budget. Paul slapped his forehead: He had forgotten to put oregano in the sauce. Samantha left before the rest of us: She had to be there early to help with the costumes. Use a colon before a statement that explains or clarifies a preceding statement.

COLONS CONVENTIONAL SITUATIONS

COLONS 4:30 P.M. today 7:55 A.M. 6:15 P.M. 9:55 tomorrow morning Use a colon between the hour and the minute.

COLONS John 3:16 Colossians 3:2 Psalms 8:9 I Corinthians 13:1-13 Romans 12:9-21 Use a colon between chapter and verse in Biblical references.

COLONS Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War I Am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee Use a colon between a title and a subtitle.

COLONS To Whom It May Concern: Dear Mr. Fielding: Dear Sir or Madam: Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.