1. MAKING the SENTENCE: Colons & Semi-Colons

2. Colons: When do I use them?
A colon can be used when you want to call specific attention to what follows.
A colon is also used in time and scriptural references, along with other uses.

3. Colons: Rule #1
Rule #1:
A colon directs attention to an explanation, a summary, or a quotation.

4. Colons: Rule #1 Examples
For once in my life, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: I was going to become a doctor.
Albert Einstein defined insanity this way: “It is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”
I knew I had to admit the truth: I had put off doing my paper and will not finish on time.

5. A colon may signal that a list follows.
Colons: Rule #2
Rule #2:
A colon may signal that a list follows.

6. Colons: Rule #2 Examples
Three seniors received academic scholarships: Tyler, Destiny, and Marcus.
These classes are essential for graduation: English, math, and science.
Do NOT do this …
The three seniors to receive scholarships were: Tyler, Destiny, and Marcus.
(Do NOT use a colon after a verb)

7. A colon separates a main title and a subtitle.
Colons: Rule #3
Rule #3:
A colon separates a main title and a subtitle.

8. Colons: Rule #3 Examples
Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy’s Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit

9. Colons are used in certain numbers.
Colons: Rule #4
Rule #4:
Colons are used in certain numbers.

10. Colons: Rule #4 Examples
Colons are used between numbers to designate time.
11:45 a.m. 2:17 p.m.
Colons are used between numbers in scriptural references
Psalms 3:5 Genesis 1:9

11. Colons have specialized uses in business/ formal communication.
Colons: Rule #5
Rule #5:
Colons have specialized uses in business/ formal communication.

12. Colons: Rule #5 Examples
A colon follows the salutation of a business/ formal letter.
Dear Dr. Evans:
Dear Admissions:
Dear Scholarship Committee:
To Whom It May Concern:

13. Semi-Colons: When do I use them?
A semi-colon can be used instead of a comma or period.
It is used most frequently to connect two independent clauses, OR to separate elements that contain commas.

14. Semi-Colons: Rule #1
Rule #1:
A semi-colon connects two independent clauses when the second clause SUPPORTS or CONTRASTS with the first.

15. Semi-Colons: Rule #1 Examples
In many cultures, food and cuisine offer wide opportunities for variety; they allow chefs the chance to create culinary works of art.
For many cooks, basil is a key ingredient; it appears in recipes worldwide. (support)
Sweet basil is used in many Mediterranean dishes; Thai basil is used in Asian and East Indian recipes. (contrast)

16. Semi-Colons: Rule #2
Rule #2:
A semi-colon separates sentence elements (clauses, phrases, lists) that contain commas within them.

17. Semi-Colons: Rule #2 Example
To survive, mountain lions need a large open area in which to range; a steady supply of deer, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and possum; and the opportunity to find a mate, establish a den, and raise a litter.