Colons and Semicolons

Front

What is a colon used for in a sentence?

Back

A colon is used to introduce a list, a quote, an explanation, or to separate two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the first.

Front

What is a semicolon used for in a sentence?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

Provide an example of a correct use of a colon.

Back

Example: She had three favorite fruits: apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

Provide an example of a correct use of a semicolon.

Back

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

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

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

True or False: A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses.

Back

True, but only when the second clause explains or elaborates on the first.

Front

True or False: A semicolon can replace a conjunction in a compound sentence.

Back

True, a semicolon can be used instead of a conjunction to connect two independent clauses.

Front

What punctuation mark is used before a list?

Back

A colon is used before a list.

Front

What punctuation mark is used to separate items in a complex list?

Back

A semicolon is used to separate items in a complex list.