1. Group Work!
Two sentences using a semicolon with two
independent clauses.
Two sentences using a semicolon and a
transitional expression between two independent
clauses.
One sentence with a comma splice.
A sentence using a colon correctly.
3. Semicolons!
”With educated people, I suppose, punctuation is
a matter of rule; with me it is a matter of feeling.
But I must say I have a great respect for the
semicolon; it’s a useful little chap.” <--Abraham
Lincoln
Semicolons are a secondary divider. They give
you options.
Semicolons are used between two items of equal
grammatical rank not already joined with a
coordinating conjunction. They will be joined
by a transitional expression.
4. Sentences!
Two sentences using a semicolon with two
independent clauses.
5. Semicolons!!
Two independent clauses, two phrases, etc.
Test your usage by placing a period between
them.
The train ride is three days; by flight it takes
eight hours.
Many baseball players make it to the majors via
hard work; however, he found other means.
6. Independent Clauses!
Use a semicolon between related independent
clauses that offer contrasting or parellel
information that do not have a coordinating
conjunction.
Paul Revere's The Boston Massacre is traditional
American protest art; Edward Hick's paintings
are socially conscious art with a religious strain.
8. Run On Sentences (An Intro)
We will talk about this later in the month, but
using only a comma or no punctuation between
independent clauses will create a run on
sentence (specifically a comma splice).
The sun is high, put on some sunblock. (comma
splice)
9. Two sentences using a semicolon and a
transitional expression between two independent
clauses.
10. Independent Clauses With
Transitional Words
Use a semicolon before a transitional word or
phrase to join two independent clauses.
The transition will normally be followed by a
comma.
Thomas Jefferson brought two hundred vanilla
beans and a recipe for vanilla ice cream back
from France; thus, he gave America its all-time
favorite ice cream flavor.
(that's true)
12. Items In A Series!
As you'll recall from our discussion of commas,
if there are already commas in the list of
elements you will add semicolons.
Laramie, Wyoming; Wyoming, Deleware; and
Delaware, Ohio, were three of the places they
visited.
13. Don't Misuse Semicolons!
Semicolons should be used for our good. Here
are some common misuses:
Between a dependent clause and the rest of the
sentence (use a comma!)
Introducing a list [use a colon! (stay tuned!)]
Between two independent clauses joined by
coordinating conjunctions (use a comma!)
Do not use a semicolon to introduce a quote.
15. Colons!
Colons are used to introduce a series of
elements. According to Strunk & White, they
have ”more effect than the comma, less power to
separate than the semicolon” (7-8)
It will be precedded by a complete sentence
Waiting tables requires three skills: Memory,
speed, and balance.
Colons will also be used to introduce
explanatory material.
She had one dream: To play professional
basketball.
16. Look For Clues...
Is there a coordinating conjunction?
- If yes, then probably use a comma.
Can you put a period in place of semicolon?
Remember that the word after a colon is
supposed to be capitalized (hint hint).
According to the style guide, Punctuate It Right, the colon is a ”mark of expectation or addition.” I like that. Colons are used when the word ”namely” could be used and after complete sentences.
There is one space between a colon and the rest of a sentence.
A common misusage of colons is before a ”such as.” This is incorrect and should be avoided at all costs.
There are other uses for colons that you need to know to write good college level papers.
Apposotives
When you have a set of apposotives in a sentence, use a colon.
Example-My roomate is guilty of two of the seven deadly sins: gluttony and sloth.
Quotations
Make sure you understand when to use a colon in regards to quotations. Remember, a colon is only used when you have a complete sentence.
Example 1-Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin: ”There never was a good war or a bad peace.” (Correct)
Example 2-Willow testified that: ”I never went on a date with her.” (Incorrect---first part is not a complete sentence. You will use a comma there)
Do I capitalize after a colon?!?
I agree with contemporary grammarians like Mignon Fogarty who feel that this is unnecessary. However, if you do it, be consistent.