1. Grammar Review: Semi-colon and colon

2. There are only TWO ways to use them!
The first rule
Use a semi-colon to separate two complete sentences which are closely related.

3. Notice, though, I said complete sentences!
So, let’s say I write:
He did not like to write papers. He had to write a paper on Hamlet.
Notice– two complete sentences which are closely related.
To sound like a more mature writer, I should try to combine simple sentences into more complex ones.

4. This is where the semi-colon comes in
He did not like to write papers; he had to write a paper on Hamlet.
We can join these two sentences, LIKE MAGIC, with just a semi-colon!!! These two sentences, though, must be complete!!!

5. Remember . . .
We can also join two complete sentences (independent clauses) with a comma and a coordinating conjunction, though
And, or, but, so, for, nor, yet are the coordinating conjunctions!
He did not like to write papers, but he wrote a paper on Hamlet.

6. He did not like to write papers; however, he wrote a paper on Hamlet.
Sometimes semicolons are accompanied by conjunctive adverbs – words such as however, moreover, therefore, nevertheless, consequently, as a result.
He did not like to write papers; however, he wrote a paper on Hamlet.

7. Notice the pattern: semicolon + conjunctive adverb + comma
; as a result,
semicolon + conjunctive adverb + comma
This is a typical construction with semicolons

8. Rule number two:
Use a semi-colon to separate items in a series which themselves contain commas!
Huh?
I like cats, dogs, bunnies, and hamsters. These elements are separated with a comma

9. But, when the list is really long
But, when the list is really long . .and the things in the list include commas . . We must separate those items with a semi-colon to avoid confusion!
The committee included Shawna DeMay, English teacher, from Lakeshore High School; Natalie Smith, English teacher, from L’Anse Creuse High School; Sara Smith, French teacher, from East Detroit High School; and Dwayne, “the rock” Johnson, from Hollywood, California.

10. The colon
Review on its usage

11. 1. The colon as introductory device
A. List
I grew a the following vegetables: corn, carrots, cucumber and squash.
b. Quotation
I nodded slowly: “You are tardy.”
c. After a independent clause which acts as an introductory sentence
In conclusion, I emphasized my main point: Hamlet is an awesome play.
D. Formal appositive
I showed slides of the best p lay on earth: Hamlet.

12. 2. Special uses of the colon
Numerals giving time -- 3:20
Biblical references Psalms 1:5 (Chapter, verse)
Subtitles for books or magazines (Emotion: Learning to Control Feelings)
Salutations in business letters (Dear Ms. DeMay: )
Labels used to signal important ideas (Warning: This product is for external use only)