FANBOYS, Colons, and Semicolongs

Front

What are FANBOYS?

Back

FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. They are used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, or to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'I like pizza; I also like pasta.'

Back

Yes, this sentence is correct. It uses a semicolon to connect two related independent clauses.

Front

What is the purpose of a colon?

Back

A colon (:) is used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation that follows an independent clause.

Front

When should you use a colon?

Back

Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list, a quote, or to emphasize a point.

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'I have three favorite fruits: apples, bananas, and oranges.'

Back

Yes, this sentence is correct. It uses a colon to introduce a list.

Front

What is a misplaced comma?

Back

A misplaced comma is a comma that is incorrectly placed in a sentence, leading to confusion or a change in meaning.

Front

Correct this sentence: 'Don't tell the neighbor but, I accidentally opened his mail.'

Back

Corrected: 'Don't tell the neighbor, but I accidentally opened his mail.'