Semicolons

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

Choose the correct punctuation: I have a cat ___ I love it very much.

Back

I have a cat; I love it very much.

Front

What is a colon?

Back

A colon (:) is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

When should you use a colon?

Back

Use a colon before a list or an explanation that follows an independent clause.

Front

Choose the correct punctuation: I need the following items: ___ apples, oranges, and bananas.

Back

I need the following items: apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is the purpose of punctuation in writing?

Back

Punctuation helps clarify meaning, indicate pauses, and separate ideas in writing.

Front

Choose the correct punctuation: We visited three cities: ___ New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Back

We visited three cities: New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Front

What does it mean if a semicolon is used incorrectly?

Back

Using a semicolon incorrectly can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the sentence.

Front

Choose the correct punctuation: I wanted to go swimming; ___ it was too cold outside.

Back

I wanted to go swimming; however, it was too cold outside.