Review: Semicolons and colons

What is a semicolon?

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

Use of semicolons in lists

Semicolons separate items in complex lists, especially when items contain commas.

Example of semicolon use.

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

When to use a colon?

A colon (:) introduces a list, a quote, or an explanation following an independent clause.

Difference between semicolons and colons

Semicolons link related sentences; colons introduce lists or clarifications.

Fill in the blank: Use a semicolon to connect __________.

two independent clauses.

True or false: Colons can precede a list.

True, because colons are used to introduce lists formally.

What follows a colon?

A complete sentence or a list can follow a colon.

Example of colon use.

You need to buy the following: bread, milk, and eggs.

True or false: Semicolons can replace periods.

True, because they can connect related independent clauses instead of separate sentences.

What is an independent clause?

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.

Example of incorrect semicolon use.

I like pizza; however, I am on a diet. (Should use a comma.)

Difference between a colon and a dash.

A colon introduces information; a dash adds emphasis or interruption.

How to punctuate this: I went to the store, I bought milk.

Use a semicolon: I went to the store; I bought milk.

When NOT to use a semicolon?

Do not use it to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause.