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 to introduce a list, a quote, or to emphasize a point.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

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

Front

Correct the sentence: 'I have apples oranges; and bananas.'

Back

I have apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

Correct the sentence: 'She loves reading; she prefers fiction.'

Back

Correct as is; the semicolon is used properly.

Front

What is the rule for using a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs?

Back

Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

Identify the error: 'I went to the store; and bought milk.'

Back

The semicolon is incorrect; it should be a comma: 'I went to the store, and bought milk.'

Front

What punctuation should be used before a list?

Back

A colon (:) is used before a list.

Front

Correct the sentence: 'He has three pets; a dog, a cat, and a fish.'

Back

He has three pets: a dog, a cat, and a fish.