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Colon Vs
Semicolon

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Rules for Colon

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 When
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edituse a Colon
Master title style

1. To introduce additional information, such as a list, quotation, or

a noun or noun phrase.

Examples
• A list - We covered many of the fundamentals in our writing class :
grammar, punctuation, style, and voice.
• A noun or noun phrase - The central theme of the movie was something
we've all experienced : grief.
• A quotation - Shakespeare said it best : “To thine own self be true.”
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 When
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edituse a Colon
Master title style

2. We use a colon to join 2 independent clauses when the second

clause is the definition, explanation or summary of the first.

Examples
• The judge made her decision. We lost the case.
• The judge made her decision : we lost the case.

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 When
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Master title style

3. We use a colon to show an emphasis.

Examples

• I finally met my lifelong hero : Nicholas Cage.

• We have one goal : win this tournament.

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Rules for
Semicolon

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When
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edituse a Semicolon
Master title style

1. Use a semi-colon in place of the comma and conjunction to

separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence.

Examples
• I like working outside , and I also enjoy reading.
• I like working outside ; I also enjoy reading.

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When
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Master title style

2. Use a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb (such as

however and therefore) that joins two independent clauses.
*Be sure to put a comma after the conjunctive adverb.

Examples
• I like working outside. However, I also enjoy reading.
• I like working outside; however, I also enjoy reading.

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When
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edituse a Semicolon
Master title style

3. Use semi-colons to separate elements in a series if they contain

internal punctuation.

Examples
• On his fishing trip, Jeff caught rainbow, brook, and lake trout, large-
mouth, small mouth, and white bass, and a few northern pike.

• On his fishing trip, Jeff caught rainbow, brook, and lake trout;
large-mouth, small mouth, and white bass; and a few northern pike.
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Recap
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 A colon is used to introduce, emphasize,

clarify, or explain the preceding information.

 A semicolon is used to connect two

independent
clauses that can stand on their own but are
related in some way.

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 Click
Insert to edit
necessary Master
colons. title
Put a "C" style
in front of any sentence that is correct.

1. All his thoughts were centered on one objective profit.

2. We may divide poems into three classes narrative, lyric, and dramatic.
3. Three kinds of poems are narratives, lyrics, and dramas.
4. He ended his remarks with this quotation from Emerson "Nothing can
bring you peace but yourself."
5. I have just one more piece of advice for you learn to have some thought
for others as well as yourself.
6. He mentioned that the only interests he has are cars, sports, and cars.
7. The conference had only one purpose agreement upon a suitable topic
for a research paper. 11
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Insert necessary Semicolons. Put a "C" in front of any sentence that is
Click to edit Master title style
correct.
1. A bitter wind swept the dead leaves along the street it cast them high in
the air and against the building.
2. The first town we drove through was only twenty miles from home
therefore, we decided not to stop there for lunch.
3. I hope to spend my vacation in Canada where I enjoy the fishing.
4. Everyone was confused no one knew what to do.
5. Mr. Wilson, the lawyer Mr. Jones, the teacher and Mr. Hawthorne were
present.
6. You may wait here if you wish otherwise, you can come back tomorrow.
7. The president of the senior class is Harriet, the vice-president James the
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secretary, Colin and the treasurer, Martha.

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