1. ELA 9
Semicolons & Colons

2. The Basics
Not just for emoticons ;)
; = semicolon
: = colon

3. Semicolon Usage 1
Joins 2 independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis.
Road construction on Union Lake Road has hindered travel around town; my route home is now covered with detour signs.

4. Semicolon Usage 2
Joins 2 independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, nonetheless, etc.) or a transition (in fact, for example, in addition, etc.).
The Beauty Project has taken over English 11; in fact, we’ve spent eight days in the lab already!

5. Semicolon Usage 3
Joins elements of a series when individual items of the series already include commas.
Ms. Stuckey’s closest friends live in Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; and Washington, D.C.

6. Colon Usage 1
Joins 2 independent clauses when you wish to emphasize the second clause.
Construction on Union Lake Road has hindered travel around town: parts of Newton and Commerce Roads are extremely congested during the construction.

7. Colon Usage 2
Use after an independent clause when it is followed by a list, a quotation, appositive, or other idea directly related to the independent clause.
Mrs. Stuckey went over the problems with the grammar: subject/verb agreement, apostrophes, commas, and semi-colons.
In Of Mice and Men, George reminds Lennie of the farm: “Look down there acrost the river, like you can almost see the place” (Steinbeck 106).
I know the perfect career for Chris: an actor.

8. Colon Usage 3 Use a colon at the end of a business letter greeting.
To Whom It May Concern: