Colons and semicolons

Front

What is a colon?

Back

A colon (:) is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a colon?

Back

Use a colon before a list, a quote, or to emphasize a point.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

Correct the sentence: 'I have apples oranges and bananas.'

Back

I have apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

Correct the sentence: 'I have finished my homework now I can play.'

Back

I have finished my homework; now I can play.

Front

What is the correct way to list items using a colon?

Back

You can say: 'You need the following items: a pen, paper, and a ruler.'

Front

Identify the error: 'She has three pets: a dog a cat and a fish.'

Back

The correct sentence is: 'She has three pets: a dog, a cat, and a fish.'

Front

What punctuation should be used before a list?

Back

A colon (:) should be used before a list.

Front

What punctuation should be used to connect two related independent clauses?

Back

A semicolon (;) should be used to connect two related independent clauses.