This document provides information about using semi-colons and colons in writing. It discusses three main functions of the semi-colon: to join two independent clauses; to join independent clauses separated by a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression; and to avoid confusion when clauses already contain commas. It also discusses two main uses of the colon: to introduce a list of items; and to introduce a sentence that summarizes or explains the previous sentence. Examples are provided to illustrate proper uses of semi-colons and colons in writing.

1. Semi-colon and Colon

2. Semi - colon
Lee would enjoy turnips
at every meal; we would
not enjoy any meal at
which they were served.

3. st
1
Function
•Use a semicolon to join
independent clauses that
are not joined by the
conjunction and, but, for,
nor, or, so or yet.

4. Examples:
• Our goal was to run ten miles; we
ran only five.
• They were noble souls; they not
only possessed loving hearts but
brave ones.

5. Our goal was to cover twenty
miles the first day; instead, we
covered half that distance.
She won the race easily; in fact,
she set a new state record for
the event.

6. nd
2
Function
•Use a semicolon to join
independent clauses separated
by either a conjunctive adverb
or a transitional expression.

7. Conjunctive Adverbs
•also
•consequently
•furthermore
•however
•otherwise
•therefore
•thus
•instead
•besides
•nevertheless

8. Transitional Expressions
•as a result
•on the other hand
•in fact
•for instance

9. • Bess, who was suffering from
laryngitis, was unable to make the
speech; but Alan delivered it for her.
• In front of us were a column of
refugees, many carrying heavy
bundles; a few old carts, battered and
hardly able to roll; and several troop
carriers.

10. rd
3
Function
• Consider the use of a semicolon to
avoid confusion when
independent clauses or items in a
series already contain commas.

11. Colon
•Be sure to bring the
following: pen, ruler and
glue.

12. st
1
Function
•Use a colon before a list
of items

13. Rebecca West describes the
capital of Yugoslavia: “What has
made modern Belgrade, though
no one could guess it by looking
at the town, is a conscious
attempt to restore the glories of
the medieval Serbian Empire.”

14. In 1750 the first Americanmade printing press was
developed: Until then all
presses had had to be imported
from Europe.

15. nd
2
Function
Use a colon to introduce a
sentence that summarizes or
explains the sentence before it.

16. Special situations requiring colons
Time expressed in
numerals
7:10 a.m.
References to periodicals
Psychology Today 24:189
Biblical references
Luke 10:12
Subtitles of books and
magazines
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog
Days
Salutations
Madam:
Labels used to signal
important ideas
Warning: Trespassers will
be persecuted

17. Board Work
Danger This stairway
is not safe.

18. Perched high on the hill
was an old town the valley
was dotted with a number
of small hamlets.

19. The chairman consulted
at least three other
officials consequently, he
made the decision to
abandon the project.

20. A visit to Sandringham
includes many delights the
house and grounds, the
natural trail, the church, and
the annual flower show.

21. I never forgot Ruskins’s line
“Borrowers are nearly always
ill-spenders, and it is with
lent money that all evil is
mainly done, and all unjust
war protracted.”

22. Activity #2
1. I expected an important package
this morning therefore, I waited
several hours for the mall.
2. My sister plans to attend college
next year in fact, she has already
been accepted.
3. Our hope was to coordinate our
efforts accordingly, we waited
several hours for instructions.

23. 4. Senator Robinson
5. I want to repeat my point of view
clearly We cannot permit a change
in policy at this time.
6. My friends intended to go shopping
they were unable to get someone to
drive them
7. My aunt arrived at the airport at 10
17 a.m.

24. 8. Sam, who lives near the library, has
been assigned to do the research
and Tom will organize the final
report.
9. Prince Edward Island is in
Canada’s Eastern Maritimes British
Columbia is on the West Coast.
10. Sue intends to study several major
composers Mozart, Beethoven,
Wagner and Bach.