Colons and Semicolons Flocabulary

Front

What is a colon?

Back

A colon (:) is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

When should a colon be used?

Back

A colon should be used before a list, before a quote, or to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses.

Front

When should a semicolon be used?

Back

A semicolon should be used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

Example of a sentence using a colon.

Back

You need the following ingredients: flour, sugar, and eggs.

Front

Example of a sentence using a semicolon.

Back

I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.

Front

What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

Back

A colon introduces or emphasizes information, while a semicolon connects two related independent clauses.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a colon?

Back

Place the colon after an independent clause that introduces a list, quote, or explanation.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a semicolon?

Back

Place the semicolon between two independent clauses that are closely related.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.