AP Lit semicolons and colons

Front

What is a colon?

Back

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

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

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

Front

When should a colon be used in a sentence?

Back

A colon should be used before a list, a quote, or an explanation that follows an independent clause.

Front

When should a semicolon be used in a sentence?

Back

A semicolon should be used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

Correct the punctuation: 'I have a dog I love it very much.'

Back

I have a dog; I love it very much.

Front

Correct the punctuation: 'She has three hobbies reading, writing, and painting.'

Back

She has three hobbies: reading, writing, and painting.

Front

What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

Back

A colon introduces lists or explanations, while a semicolon connects related independent clauses.

Front

Identify the error: 'He wanted to go to the party; but he was too tired.'

Back

The semicolon is incorrect; it should be 'He wanted to go to the party, but he was too tired.'

Front

Correct the punctuation: 'I need to buy groceries milk, eggs, and bread.'

Back

I need to buy groceries: milk, eggs, and bread.

Front

What is an example of using a semicolon correctly?

Back

Example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.'