Semicolon/Colon Rules

Front

What punctuation mark is used between independent clauses (related in meaning) with a conjunction in between?

Back

Comma

Front

What punctuation mark is used before a list of items?

Back

Colon

Front

When can a colon NOT be used before a list?

Back

After a verb

Front

Which of the following lists is correct? I invited Beth, my roommate; Jessi, my friend; and Katie, my mom. / I invited Beth; my roommate; Jessi; my friend; and Katie; my mom. / I invited Beth, my roommate, Jessi, my friend, and Katie, my mom. / I invited Beth, my roommate: Jessi, my friend: and Katie, my mom.

Back

I invited Beth, my roommate; Jessi, my friend; and Katie, my mom.

Front

What punctuation mark is used between independent clauses joined by a transitional expression?

Back

Semicolon

Front

What is the primary function of a semicolon?

Back

To connect closely related independent clauses.

Front

What is the primary function of a colon?

Back

To introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.

Front

Can a semicolon be used before a conjunctive adverb?

Back

Yes, a semicolon is used before a conjunctive adverb when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What punctuation mark is used to separate items in a complex list?

Back

Semicolon.

Front

What is an example of a transitional expression?

Back

However, therefore, moreover.