Mastering Semicolons and Colons

This video tutorial covers the rules for using semicolons and colons in writing. It explains how semicolons can join independent clauses, especially with conjunctive adverbs, and how they can separate items in a complex list. The tutorial also details the use of colons to introduce lists, quotes, and explanations, emphasizing the need for a complete sentence before a colon. Incorrect uses of colons are highlighted, such as placing them after prepositions or verbs.

What is the most common use of a semicolon?

• To separate items in a simple list

• To end a sentence

• To join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb

• To introduce a quote

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

• The sky is cloudless; therefore, we can go to the beach.

• The sky is cloudless, therefore, we can go to the beach.

• The sky is cloudless therefore; we can go to the beach.

• The sky is cloudless; therefore we can go to the beach.

When joining two independent clauses without a conjunctive adverb, what must be true?

• The clauses must be in different sentences

• The clauses must be separated by a comma

• The clauses must be closely related in subject

• The clauses must be unrelated

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to separate items in a series?

• We visited Paris, France, Rome, Italy, and Berlin, Germany.

• We visited Paris; France, Rome; Italy, and Berlin; Germany.

• We visited Paris; France, Rome; Italy; and Berlin; Germany.

• We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.

What is the most common use for a colon?

• To end a sentence

• To separate items in a series

• To introduce a list

• To join two independent clauses

Which of the following is a correct use of a colon?

• The purposes of exercise are to: develop muscle, strengthen the heart, and bring inner peace.

• The sky is cloudless: therefore, we can go to the beach.

• Three courses are: accounting, business, and art history.

• It is important to always pack the following items when heading into the woods: a compass, drinking water, and matches.

What should you do if a colon is incorrectly placed after a preposition or verb?

• Replace the colon with a semicolon

• Remove the colon

• Replace the colon with a comma

• Leave the colon as it is

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a quote?

• Martin Luther King Junior so famously said: 'I have a dream.'

• Martin Luther King Junior so famously said, 'I have a dream.'

• Martin Luther King Junior so famously said; 'I have a dream.'

• Martin Luther King Junior so famously said 'I have a dream.'

When can a colon be used to separate an independent clause from an explanation?

• When the explanation is a complete sentence

• When the explanation is a fragment

• When the explanation is unrelated

• When the explanation is a question

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a colon to separate an independent clause from an explanation?

• The elders told everyone in the village to stay inside that day, they were sure there would be a storm.

• The elders told everyone in the village to stay inside that day: because they were sure there would be a storm.

• The elders told everyone in the village to stay inside that day: they were sure there would be a storm.

• The elders told everyone in the village to stay inside that day; they were sure there would be a storm.