Colons and Semicolons

When should you use a colon?

• Before a list, a quote, or to emphasize a point.

• Only before a quote.

• Only in formal writing.

• Before a semicolon.

Example of a correct use of a colon:

• Correct: She had three favorite colors: blue, green, and red.

• Incorrect: She had three favorite colors blue, green, and red.

• Incorrect: She had: three favorite colors, blue, green, and red.

• Incorrect: She had three favorite colors; blue, green, and red.

What is a common mistake when using semicolons?

• Using a semicolon to separate items in a simple list.

• Using a semicolon to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction.

• Using a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction.

• Using a semicolon to introduce a list of items.

What is a semicolon?

• A punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

• A type of sentence that expresses a complete thought.

• A mark used to indicate a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period.

• A symbol used in mathematical equations to denote division.

What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

• A colon connects related independent clauses, while a semicolon introduces lists or explanations.

• A colon introduces lists or explanations, while a semicolon connects related independent clauses.

• A colon is used for direct speech, while a semicolon is used for quotations.

• A colon is used to separate two complete sentences, while a semicolon is used to introduce a quote.

What punctuation is needed in this sentence? I've never been to Florida, where my mom was born California, where my dad used to live or Canada, where my grandparents met.

• Commas are needed to separate the clauses.

• Periods are needed to separate the clauses.

• Semicolons are needed to separate the clauses.

• Colons are needed to separate the clauses.

When should you use a semicolon?

• To link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

• To separate items in a list that already contains commas.

• To introduce a quotation or a list.

• To connect two sentences that are not related.

Example of a correct use of a semicolon:

• I wanted to go for a walk; it was raining.

• I wanted to go for a walk, it was raining.

• I wanted to go for a walk. it was raining.

• I wanted to go for a walk; and it was raining.

Correct the punctuation: For this class, you will need the following items; a composition notebook, highlighters, bookmarks, and a pencil.

• For this class, you will need the following items; a composition notebook, highlighters, bookmarks, and a pencil.

• For this class, you will need the following items: a composition notebook, highlighters, bookmarks, and a pencil.

• For this class you will need the following items: a composition notebook, highlighters bookmarks, and a pencil.

• For this class, you will need the following items: a composition notebook highlighters, bookmarks, and a pencil.

Correct the punctuation: I love science fiction books: The Arc of a Scythe series is a favorite.

• I love science fiction books: The Arc of a Scythe series is a favorite.

• I love science fiction books; The Arc of a Scythe series is a favorite.

• I love science fiction books. The Arc of a Scythe series is a favorite.

• I love science fiction books - The Arc of a Scythe series is a favorite.