Semicolons & Colons

You can use semicolons to join two independent clauses.

• True

• False

Which option is written correctly?

• I like to go to the mall, I usually go with my friends.

• I like to go to the mall; I usually go with my friends.

• I like to go to the mall and I usually go with my friends.

• I like to go to the mall I usually go with my friends.

The independent clauses combined by a semicolon DO NOT need to be related in thought.

• True

• False

Which option is written correctly?

• We saw Ms. Garcia, the school principal; Mrs. Dominguez, the assistant principal; and Ms. Garza, the school counselor at the game.

• We saw Ms. Garcia, the school principal, Mrs. Dominguez, the assistant principal, and Ms. Garza, the school counselor at the game.

• We saw Ms. Garcia, the school principal Mrs. Dominguez the assistant principal and Ms. Garza the school counselor at the game.

• We saw Ms. Garcia, the school principal and Mrs. Dominguez, the assistant principal and and Ms. Garza, the school counselor at the game.

Colons are used to introduce a series or list only after a complete sentence.

• True

• False

Which option is written correctly?

• I bought snacks at the football game; a Big Red, Hot Cheetos and cheese, and Sour Patch candy.

• I bought snacks at the football game, a Big Red, Hot Cheetos and cheese, and Sour Patch candy.

• I bought snacks at the football game: a Big Red, Hot Cheetos and cheese, and Sour Patch candy.

• I bought snacks at the football game a Big Red, Hot Cheetos and cheese, and Sour Patch candy.