SEMICOLONS AND COLONS Place logo or logotype here, otherwise delete this. ;:

USE SEMICOLONS Place logo or logotype here, otherwise delete this.

Rule #1: Between two independent clauses (aka sentences) with NO coordinating conjunction  Make sure that the sentences are closely related and that their relationship is clear without a conjunction.  In film, a low-angle shot makes the subject look powerful; a high- angle shot does just the opposite.

Rule #2: Between independent clauses with a transitional expression Conjunctive Adverbs Accordingly Also Anyway Besides Certainly Consequently Conversely Finally Furthermore Hence However Incidentally Indeed Instead Likewise Meanwhile Moreover Nevertheless Next Nonetheless Now Otherwise Similarly Specifically Still Subsequently Then Therefore Thus

Rule #2: Between independent clauses with a transitional expression Transitional Phrases After all As a matter of fact As a result At any rate At the same time Even so For example For instance In addition In conclusion In fact In other words In the first place On the contrary On the other hand

Rule #2: Examples  An American immigrant, Levi Strauss, invented blue jeans in the 1860s; eventually, his product clothed working men throughout the West.  Blue jeans have become fashionable all over the world; however, the American originators still wear more jeans than anyone else.  Blue jeans have become fashionable all over the world; the American originators, however, still wear more jeans than anyone else.  An American immigrant, Levi Strauss, invented blue jeans in the 1860s; eventually, his product clothed working men throughout the West.  Blue jeans have become fashionable all over the world; however, the American originators still wear more jeans than anyone else.  Blue jeans have become fashionable all over the world; the American originators, however, still wear more jeans than anyone else.

TitleText Box When a transitional expression appears between independent clauses, it is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma:  Many corals grow very gradually, in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries.  Many corals grow very gradually; in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries.  Biologists have observed laughter in primates other than humans; chimpanzees, however, sound more like they are panting than laughing. c/s

Rule #3: Between items in a series containing internal punctuation  Classic science fiction sagas include Star Trek, with Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, and Mr. Spock, Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylons, and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.  Without the semicolons, the reader would have to work out the major groupings, distinguishing between important and less important pauses according to the logic of the sentence.

Rule #3: Continued--  By inserting semicolons at the major breaks, the writer does this work for the reader:  Classic science fiction sagas include Star Trek, with Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, and Mr. Spock; Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylons; and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.

TitleText Box NEVER use a semicolon to...  Separate a subordinate clause and the rest of the sentence  Although children’s literature was added to the National Book Awards in 1969;, it has had its own award, the Newbery Medal, since  Separate an appositive from the word it refers to  The scientists were fascinated by the species argyroneta aquatica;, a spider that lives underwater.  Introduce a list  Some of my favorite celebrities have their own blogs;, Lindsay Lohan, Rosie O’Donnell, and Zach Braff. X X X

TitleText Box NEVER use a semicolon to...  Separate independent clauses joined by and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet  Five of the applicants had worked with spreadsheets;, but only one was familiar with database management.  When the two independent clauses contain internal punctuation:  Five of the applicants, who all happened to be blonde, had worked with spreadsheets; but only one, the ugly old man with the nerdy glasses, was familiar with database management. Except X

USE COLONS Place logo or logotype here, otherwise delete this.

#1. To direct attention to a list  The daily routine should include at least the following: twenty knee bends, fifty sit-ups, fifteen leg lifts, and five minutes of running in place.

#2. To direct attention to an appositive  My roommate is guilty of two of the seven deadly sins: gluttony and sloth.

#3. To direct attention to a quotation  Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin: “There never was a good war or a bad peace.” VS  Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin who said, “There never was a good war or a bad peace.”

#4. To direct attention to a summary or an explanation  Faith is like love: It cannot be forced.  The novel is clearly autobiographical: The author even gives his own name to the main character.  When an independent clause follows a colon, it may begin with a capital or a lowercase letter.

TitleText Box NEVER use a colon  Between a verb and its object or complement  Some important vitamins found in vegetables are: vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C.  Between a preposition and its object  The heart’s two pumps each consist of: an upper chamber, or atrium, and a lower chamber, or ventricle.  After such as, including, or for example  The NCAA regulates college athletic teams, including: basketball, baseball, softball, and football. X X X