Colons and Semicolons

Colons and
Semicolons

Colons and Semicolons with Clauses

Colons and semicolons help readers understand how your ideas relate to
each other.

Semicolons

Use a semicolon to connect two complete thoughts (independent clauses) that are
closely related.

1.The semicolon introduces a new, related piece of information.

2.

Notice that the second thought starts with a lowercase letter.

Semicolons continued

You can use a phrase like “in fact,” “therefore,” or “however” after a semicolon to
tell readers more about how the ideas are related.

Colons

Use a colon instead of a semicolon to introduce an explanation or restatement of
a complete thought.

Multiple Choice

First we will make 30 gallons of ice cream______we will buy an ice cream truck.

• ; next

• : next

• , next

• ; Next

Multiple Choice

My new shoes are my three favorite ______ green, red, and blue.

• colors,

• colors:

• colors;

• colors.

Multiple Choice

Robin Hood stole from the rich ___ also gave to the poor.

• , he

• ; he

• : he

Multiple Choice

My favorite place to be is on a ______ I can just forget about all my other problems.

• boat,

• boat;

• boat:

Multiple Choice

Every morning I have a giant glass of my favorite ______ orange juice.

• drink;

• drink:

• drink,

• drink.

Multiple Choice

I had sushi for dinner last ______ and I want it again today.

• night:

• night,

• night;

• Night.

Multiple Choice

One day I hope to achieve my lifelong ______ traveling to the moon.

• dream;

• dream: