1. SEMICOLONS & COLONS
Rules to Remember!

2. Semicolons
#1 – Separate two independent clauses (like a period). (Replace FANBOYS)
#2 - Clarify a series
#3 – Combine independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases

3. Rule 1: Separate independent clauses
Semicolons separate two or more independent clauses. They work like periods, but are used for simple sentences you want to link together.
Kyle is a wonderful man; he never stops helping people.
ALWAYS check for independent clauses on either side of the semicolon.

4. #1 Continued- Semicolons to REPLACE ,FANBOYS
Works like a “,fanboy” to combine sentences
Gives a different emphasis than a period
Kyle is a wonderful man, for he never stops helping people. (fanboy)
Kyle is a wonderful man; he never stops helping people.

5. #2 Semicolons to BREAK UP items in a series that contain commas.
My favorite places to visit are Sedona, Arizona; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Door County, Wisconsin; and San Francisco, California.
The semicolons work to help clarify the list; if it didn’t use semicolons, it would be confusing.
My favorite places to visit are Sedona, Arizona, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Door County, Wisconsin, and San Francisco, California.

6. #3 Semicolons with independent clauses that use these words (conjunctive adverbs & transitional phrases):
Accordingly Also
Hence However
Therefore Furthermore
Instead Otherwise
Nevertheless Moreover
In fact For instance
Thus For example

7. Example:
Kyle is a wonderful man; for example, he never stops helping people.
Make sure you STILL check for independent clauses before using the semicolon:
Mrs. Grimes doesn’t mind teaching grammar; however, she knows that Jack Miller isn’t always paying attention.

8. SO… there are 5 ways to combine independent clauses
Period
Kyle is a wonderful man. He never stops helping people.
FANBOYS
Kyle is a wonderful man, for he never stops helping people.
Semicolons
Kyle is a wonderful man; he never stops helping people.
Semicolons, Conjunctive adverbs/trans, & Commas
Kyle is a wonderful man; for example, he never stops helping people.
And SOMETIMES colons…

9. COLONS #1 – Introduces an abrupt list
#2 – Separate independent clauses when the second explains the first
#3 – other uses
Business letters
(time 4:00)
(Titles Decades of Disillusionment: The Kennedy- Johnson Years)

10. #1 – ABRUPT Lists
Tomorrow you will need your book, a pencil, and a folder. (NO COLON)
Please bring the following to class tomorrow: your book, a pencil, and a folder. (COLON!)

11. #2 Independent clauses When the SECOND clause EXPLAINS the first.
George brings his lunch to class: he is always hungry 6th period.
He is always hungry 5th period explains why George brings his lunch.
Kyle is a wonderful man: he never stops helping people.

12. #3 – Business Letters, time, titles
Dear Sir:
12:34
Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, and A Dream
50 Essays: A Portable Anthology