Semicolons provide medium separation between ideas and can help vary. Interrupting information nonessential phrases may come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. I love that the colon and semicolon have been brought into question for a few reasons. This is in stark contrast to the semicolon, which always connects two independent clauses. Using a semicolon to merge two sentences a semicolon can be used to replace a full stop period when a smoother transition is required between sentences. Today, i would like to demystify the colon and semicolon just like we demystified that dirty word grammar. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition. The statement that precedes a colon is always an independent clause, but what follows the colon can be either a dependent or independent clause.
In the first case, you use semicolons to separate the items to indicate the boundaries between items without ending the sentence, whil. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. It enables the writer to avoid over use of the comma and preserves the finality of the full stop. The semicolon looks like a comma with a period above it, and this can be a good way to remember what it does. A semicolon is used to separate sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Displaying all worksheets related to 120 is a semicolon half a colon. The colon is used after an independent clause to introduce or direct attention to information that provides further explanation or balance to the sentence. Feb 10, 2014 the blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. We have broken some of the longer topics into multiple pages. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and. Many writers are confused about when to use a semicolon and when to use a colon. Punctuation, such as the semicolon and colon, is a key ingredient of writing. Constitution but constitutional, the electoral college, department of agriculture.
Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Pdf the blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th andrea. A period is a full stop, and a piece with too many will be very jarring to. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english. Using colons and semicolons exercise in each sentence, decide whether a colon or a semicolon would be most appropriate. Today, i would like to demystify the colon and semicolon just. All it takes is the blue book of grammar and punctuation. It can be used in place of a period to join two closely linked sentences. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. The colon indicates a break between two main clauses which is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full stop.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition. Semi colon in place of a period a semi colon is used to join two independent clauses. A period is a full stop, and a piece with too many will be very jarring to read. In american english, colons are more often followed by capital.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition pages. To form an en dash with most laptops, type the first number or word, then hold down the fn and ctrl keys while depressing the semicolon colon key. A colon is like a literary equals sign as opposed to mathematical one, and a semicolon is like a half full stop or half period. Its a refresher for experts, a reference for lay people, and a lesson plan for teachers. Rule 1 to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. So watch for references to pages 123 at the bottom of the topic. Thus, you only need semicolons to separate the units of the series from each other. It doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. Worksheets are copy editing and proofreading symbols, parentheses in number sentences, the blue. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
In british english, it is unusual for a capital letter to follow a colon. To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas. If you want to learn how to use a semicolon in your writing which does pertain to the. Cliffsnotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what youre studying, cliffsnotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. The same is true of periods, question marks, commas, and exclamation points. Colons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar and. Oct 01, 2006 yes, it is a general rule that there should not be a space before a semicolon or colon.
Worksheets are copy editing and proofreading symbols, parentheses in number sentences, the blue book of grammar and punctuation, advanced algebra and functions, symbol null soh stx etx eot enq ack. Using colons and semicolons exercise in each sentence, decide whether a colon or a semi colon would be most appropriate. For guidance in proper citation format, you should consult the bluebook, our bluebook. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. English grammar 101 additional punctuation, lesson 3. While you can also use a semicolon or a period between two independentyetrelated clauses, the colon is a little softer than the period, but a. The blue book of grammar and punctuation succeeds at a rare feat.
Choose from 500 different sets of grammar semicolons colons flashcards on quizlet. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon unless its a proper noun. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. Do not use a semi colon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause.
The main rule for these punctuation marks is to use them sparingly. The use of the semicolon is actually far more nuanced than this, but for sat purposes the above is all you need to know. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences two weeks ago we revisited the case of the lawsuit brought by a group of maine dairy truck drivers that centered on the proper use of commas. We are glad to hear that you find the blue book of grammar and punctuation helpful. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of grammar, punctuation, and usage. Below youll find links to our discussion on all punctuation marks. Here are the two most common uses of the semicolon. In the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. Examples on a beautiful spring day, they had a picnic. A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. Thus, you only need semicolons to separate the units of the series from each other and not from the rest of the sentence.
In the first case, you use semicolons to separate the items to indicate the boundaries between. Jul 20, 2015 a comma joins two ideas but gives a little speed bump. Interestingly, the dispute was resolved through the use of semicolons and cash. Most authorities recommend using no spaces before or after en or em dashes. The semicolon joins ideas and slows the reader even more. Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items. Make sure you wear clothes made from natural fibres. Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
Colons and semicolons should never be used interchangeably. Search for your punctuation question at grammar girl. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Given its function, it should have been called a semifull stop or a semiperiod. Unlike the semicolon, the information that follows a. Semicolon exercises wilmu student writing resources. If you want to learn how to use a semicolon in your writing which does pertain to the sat essay andor want to learn more about this much feared semicolon, check out this amazing take on semicolons by the oatmeal. A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses when a the second clause is directly related to the first clause not just vaguely related and b when the emphasis is on the second clause. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the. The semicolon represents a break midway between a comma and a full stop, and is principally used to separate independent sentencelike clauses that are strongly related never use a lathe or any other machine in the workshop if you are feeling ill or tired. Grammar and mechanics using the colon and semicolon. Grammar and punctuation the blue book of grammar and.
In a title or heading, a colon is often used to introduce a subdivision of a subject. Nov 28, 2017 one of our readers wrote that her grammar issues are the colon. Colon versus semicolon colons and semicolons have different functions. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar.
A colon introduces lists while a semicolon separates complex lists. It is especially important when writing formal academic essays, such as for the ielts, toefl, sat, cae, etc. Do not capitalize the first item after a semi colon unless its a proper noun. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop.
Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas. A revised and updated new edition of the bestselling workbook and grammar guide. Punctuation definition, overview, and lists of examples. Mar 22, 2017 punctuation, such as the semicolon and colon, is a key ingredient of writing. In a list, are the full stop and semicolon interchangeable. One of our readers wrote that her grammar issues are the colon. Semicolons provide medium separation between ideas and can help vary your sentence structure. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Colons are used after an independent clause that introduces a list or series. A semicolon is less of a speed bump than starting a new sentence. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a. A comma joins two ideas but gives a little speed bump.
The same is true of periods, question marks, commas, and. Semicolons join independent clauses and items in a series. Semicolons and colons at the end of a quotation should be placed outside the quotation marks. Jane straus, foremost expert, answers your burning english grammar and punctuation questions. Semicolon in place of a period a semicolon is used to join two independent clauses. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. When to use a semicolon best known for its utility in making winky faces, the semicolon can also be a useful grammatical tool. Now in its tenth edition, the blue book is a masterpiece of clarity and usefulness. This is in stark contrast to the semicolon, which always. Learn grammar semicolons colons with free interactive flashcards.
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