Colons And Semi Colons 6.3 Flashcards
Semicolon
Are used to link related independent clauses, emphasizing the relationship between them.
Colons
Introduce explanatory information or examples. They signal that something is going to be introduced. Definition, an example or an explanation.
How to use colons in sentences
The information after the colon should be more specific than the statement before. The clause after the colon here specifies the solution mentioned before it:
Ex/
I’m unhappy, but I have a solution: I’ll have a Champagne picnic on the beach.
The text before a colon should be a complete sentence but the text after can be as short as one word.
Ex/
I’m unhappy, but I have a solution: champagne!
Colons and lists
Can be used to introduce horizontal and vertical lists.
Vertical lists are preferred when introducing a large number of items.
How to use colons with examples
They can be used to introduce an example or explanation when it appears on a separate line from the main text. This is, in fact, the main way we use them in this course! For instance:
This is an example sentence (note he the use of a colon after “For instance” above).
Colons and block quotes
They can be used to introduce a long quote (or block quote) on a new line.
When used this way, you can simply use a phrase rather than a complete sentence before the colon.
Ex/
Cale (2003, p. 34) describes midnight as:
[A] perfect time for walking l, both in the city and the countryside. In towns and cities, you gain a new perspective on familiar streets and building. I’m a rural setting, you are treated to encounters with nocturnal wildlife…
Colons and capitalization
In US English, complete sentences that follow are capitalized.
I’m UK English usually only capitalize when it’s a proper noun or acronym (I.e.) if it would be capitalized in the text anyway).
Colon misuse
- adding a hyphen after a colon
- adding a colon at the end of title and subtitles
- adding an introductory colon when no colon is needed.
Ex/
Today, we will be playing tennis:- a popular rasquetear sport.
1.2 Sparrow Neurobiology:
Research into the structure of sparrow brains is limited due to…
The center offers classes in: tai chi, judo, and karate.
^^incomplete sentence before colon^^
Semicolons use with sentences
They link equally weighted sentences.
Ex/
Of all the arts, John loves musical theater most; his friend, Theresa, likes ballet.
The second clause is related but not an example. As such, we use a semicolon and not a colon to stress the connection between the clauses.
They are also used like this when a clause begins with a conjunctive adverb.
Ex/
John loves musical theater; however, he is not a fan of ballet,
Two complete sentences that are related.
Semicolon use in lists
You can use them in horizontal and vertical lists when the listed items are complex (sentences) or already contain commas.
Semicolon and colon misuse
Semicolons are often used incorrectly in place of a colon.
- when introducing list use a colon
- when followed by a sentence fragment.
Make sure that they are independent clauses before and after the semicolon. (Complete sentences)
Semicolon and comma misuse
- make sure that there are two complete sentences before and after the semicolon.
- sometimes it’s not technically an error but unnecessary
Ex/
I was worried about my cat; but the vet said that Whiskers is okay.
Since the second sentence begins with a coordinating conjunction and the clauses both are closely related, it would be better to use a comma. Semicolons implies a greater degree of separation.
When to use a semicolon in place of a comma
- with a coordinating conjunction when the two long sentences that already contain comma to help ensure clarity.
