Colons and Semicolons

Colons & Semicolons

Ms. Hicks

Colons and Semicolons

• To introduce a list

  Our softball team will play the following rivals: Mabank, Malakoff, and Kemp.

• Before an explanation

  There was only one priority left for me to see to: finishing my homework.

  I love going to the movies: action movies are usually my preference.

• To separate an independent clause from a quotation

  My baseball coach loves to use the same phrase before every practice and game:
  “Shut up and play baseball.”

• Between a title and subtitle

  The textbook for our class is called Ideas Across Time: Classic and Contemporary
  Readings for Composition.

​Colons

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correctly using a colon?

• A. The weather was: sunny and warm.

• B. She had three goals in mind: travel, learn a new language, and start a business.

• C. The cat: sat on the windowsill watching the birds outside.

• D. I need to buy: milk, eggs, and bread from the grocery store.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correctly using a colon?

• A. My favorite colors are: blue, green, and red.

• B. The detective investigated: the crime scene thoroughly.

• C. He couldn't believe his eyes: the car had disappeared.

• D. D) She wanted: a new phone and a laptop.

• Place semicolons between items in lists if some items in the list include commas.

  My classmates are from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; St. Paul, Minnesota; Des Moines, Iowa; and Detroit, Michigan.

• Place a semicolon between two independent clauses to link them in the same sentence.

  I don’t have time to practice fiddling; my schoolwork is too demanding.

• Linking complete clauses with a conjunctive adverb: Place a

  semicolon between independent clauses linked with a conjunctive

  adverb.

  It might rain; however, the weather report suggests sunshine

  all day.

​Semicolons

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correctly using a semicolon?

• A. I enjoy hiking in the mountains; the fresh air is invigorating.

• B. The cat sat on the windowsill; watching the birds outside.

• C. My favorite fruits are oranges; apples; and bananas.

• D. After the storm passed; we went outside to assess the damage.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correctly using a semicolon?

• A. Without any warning; the lights went out.

• B. My favorite hobbies include; reading, painting, and gardening.

• C. The teacher said; the exam will be held next week.

• D. Michaela was keen to travel to as many European countries and their cities as possible and her itinerary included France, Paris; Austria, Vienna; Italy, Rome; and Germany, Berlin.