Colons and Semicolons

Front

What is a colon?

Back

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

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 colon?

Back

Use a colon before a list, a quote, or to explain something that follows.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

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

Front

What should never follow a semicolon?

Back

A conjunction (e.g., and, but, so, or, nor, etc.) should never follow a semicolon.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: I have three pets a dog a cat and a rabbit.

Back

I have three pets: a dog, a cat, and a rabbit.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: I love reading I also enjoy writing.

Back

I love reading; I also enjoy writing.

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon in a sentence?

Back

The purpose of a semicolon is to link two independent clauses that are related, indicating a closer connection than a period would.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence using a colon correctly.

Back

There are three things I love: pizza, ice cream, and chocolate.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence using a semicolon correctly.

Back

I wanted to go for a walk; however, it started to rain.