Download Grammar 3: The Colon and the Semicolon

Grammar 3: The Colon and the Semicolon
The Colon is used as follows:
1. To introduce formal enumerations after such expressions as thus, as follows, these, and this.
Example: He spoke as follows: “I positively deny that I am guilty.”
(note: avoid colons after such as, like, or including.)
2. To introduce a list or a series.
Example: The government of the United States has three branches: legislative, judiciary, and executive.
3. To introduce a formal quotation.
Example: These are the words of the speaker: “Sink or swim; live or die.”
4. After formal salutations in letters.
Example: Gentlemen:
My dear Sir:
Dear Madam:
5. Between hours and minutes when expressed in figures.
Example: 6:30 p.m.
12:40 a.m.
The Semicolon is used as follows:
1. To separate two independent clauses not joined by a simple coordinating conjunction. In this case, the semicolon is used in the
manner of a period between sentences that are closely related.
(note: A independent clause is a phrase that contains both a subject and a verb. Simple coordinating conjunctions are words like “and”
“or” “but.”)
Example: No one knew he was there; he came in by the back door.
2. A semicolon is used before a conjunctive adverb or transition joining two independent clauses. Some common conjunctive adverbs
are as follows: accordingly, furthermore, moreover, similarly, also, hence, namely, still, anyway, however, nevertheless, then, besides,
incidentally, next, thereafter, certainly, indeed, nonetheless, therefore, consequently, instead, now, thus, finally, likewise, otherwise,
undoubtedly, further, meanwhile.
Example: The runner slid into second base certain he was safe; however, the umpire called him out.
3. A semicolon is used between items in a series if one or more items contain internal punctuation.
Example: The most common parts of speech are as follows: adjectives, which describe nouns; adverbs, which describe verbs,
adjectives, and other adverbs; nouns, which are people, places and things; and verbs, which are action words.
Examples:
he gave us this advice never neglect your tasks you may wish to have some spare time tomorrow. He gave us this advice: “Never
neglect your tasks; you may wish to have some spare time tomorrow.”
i awoke at 6 30 this morning i arose at 7 45, said mildred. “I awoke at 6:30 this morning; I arose at 7:45,” said Mildred.
he arose and made the following remark we must not be overconfident the other school has a good team. He arose and made the
following remark: “We must not be overconfident; the other school has a good team.”