Colons and Semicolons

Colons and Semicolons

ELA Core Plans

The semicolon can be used to join two complete sentences.

The food was delicious; I loved it all!

My notebook is a mess; I need to get organized.

Things to know about using the semicolon:

• Do not use a semicolon with a conjunction, like the comma does.

• Make sure the two sentences go together well when using a semicolon to join them.

• There should be a complete sentence on either side of the semicolon.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be correct?

• I will be ready in five minutes; and we can go.

• If you make a wish on a star; it will come true.

• Pie is my favorite dessert; I love all kinds!

The colon can be used to introduce a list of items that ends a sentence.

Bring the following to class: water bottle, notebook, pens.

Things to know about the colon.

• When using the colon before a list, do NOT use one after a preposition or a verb.

• Use a colon after a business letter salutation. Dear Ms. Clydedale:

• Do not use a colon after the salutation of a friendly letter. Instead use a comma.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be correct?

• Go buy: eggs, milk, and cookies.

• Go buy the following at he store: eggs, milk, and cookies.