This document provides instruction on using colons and semicolons in writing. It discusses the following: 1. Using colons to introduce lists, quotations, and to separate independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb. 2. Using semicolons to separate independent clauses not joined by a conjunction; to separate items in a list that contain commas; and to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when the clauses already contain commas. 3. Examples and practice exercises are provided to demonstrate proper use of colons and semicolons in sentences. Homework is assigned to complete worksheets on colons and semicolons.

1. Bellwork 1-Q3
What a thrill –
My thumb instead of an onion.
The top quite gone
Except for a sort of a hinge
Of Skin,
A flap like a hat,
Dead white.
Then a red plush.
- Sylvia Plath, “Cut: For Susan O’Neill Roe”

2. Questions (7 min)
Use at least three complete sentences per answer.
1. What is the poet’s attitude toward the cut? What words, images,
and details create the tone?
2. In the second stanza, Plath uses colors to intensify the tone. The
flap of skin is dead white, the blood is a red plush. What attitude
toward the cut and, by implication, toward life itself, does this
reveal?

3. Colon and Semicolon Notes
Item 25 in your table of contents

4. Colon Usage
1. Use a colon to introduce a list, especially after a statement that
uses such words as these, the following, or as follows.
He requested the following: a hammer, a screwdriver, four nails, and a
level.
Do not use a colon to introduce a list if it immediately follows a verb or
a preposition.
The best nonanimal sources of protein are soybeans, wheat germ,
brewer’s yeast, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
My sister likes to top her hamburger with lettuce, tomato, mustard,
ketchup, and relish.

5. Colon Usage
2. Use a colon to introduce a long formal quotation. A formal
quotation is often preceded by such words as this, these, the
following, or as follows.
Mrs. Hopkins asked us to write an essay on the following African
saying: “It is the rainy season that gives us wealth.”

6. Write the following sentences in your notes. Add colons where
appropriate. If a sentence is correct, write a C next to it. (10 min)
1. Any of these will work as substitutes ketchup, chili sauce, or salsa.
2. The qualities essential to a good chess player are a good memory, a
quick mind, and foresight.
3. There are several games that resemble chess checkers, the
Japanese game go, and Chinese checkers.
4. I try to take Polonius’ advice “To thine own self be true.”
Colon Practice

7. Main (Independent) Clauses
• A main, or independent clause, has a subject and a predicate and
can stand alone as a sentence.
The cast bowed, and the audience applauded.
The actors and actresses smiled and bowed, and
the audience cheered and clapped.

8. Coordinating Conjunctions
• A coordinating conjunction joins words or groups of words that have
equal grammatical weight in a sentence.
• She is good at algebra but bad at arithmetic
• We must leave, or we will be late.
• He could not sleep, nor would he eat.
Coordinating Conjunctions = FANBOYS
for and nor but or yet so

9. Semicolons
A semicolon connects closely related ideas. It is stronger than a comma
but less abrupt than a period. It indicates that the statement that
follows will add explanation.

10. Images shamelessly
borrowed from
The Oatmeal.
http://theoatmeal.co
m/comics/semicolon

11. Semicolon Usage
Use a semicolon to:
1. Separate main clauses that are
not combined with a coordinating
conjunction.
Bobcats stalk; lynxes pursue.

12. Bobcats stalk; lynxes
pursue.
vs.
Bobcats stalk, and
lynxes pursue
Use a comma when
linking two
independent clauses
with a coordinating
conjunction.

13. Semicolon Usage
2. Use a semicolon to separate
main clauses joined by a
conjunctive adverb.
Robeson appeared in many plays
and musicals; for example, he
starred in Othello and Porgy and
Bess.
A conjunctive adverb is used to
clarify the relationship between
clauses of equal weight in a
sentence. Conjunctive adverbs are
usually stronger, more precise,
and more formal than
coordinating conjunctions.
A brief list of conjunctive adverbs:
also besides furthermore moreover
however nevertheless still though
consequently therefore next thus
equally likewise similarly for example

14. Semicolon Usage
3. Use a semicolon to separate the
items in a series when the items
contain commas.
While searching for a good place to
get a unicorn burger, I traveled to
Seattle Washington; Tokyo, Japan;
and London, England.

15. 4. Use a semicolon to separate two main clauses joined by a
coordinating conjunction when the clauses already contain several
commas.
The book was very long, almost six hundred pages, and contained more
than seventy-five characters, which made keeping track difficult; but I
loved it anyway and would recommend it to anyone.

16. Semicolon Practice
Write the following sentences in your notes. Add semicolons and
commas where appropriate. (10 min)
1. My hair is very wet I just washed it.
2. You should talk to Jade otherwise she’ll think you’re mad at her.
3. My favorite cities to visit, when I have the time, include Beijing
China New Delhi India Sydney Australia.
4. I don’t want to go to the dentist but I’m afraid of rotten teeth.
5. In early times, Kush was famous for its ebony, ivory, gold, silver,
incense, wood, and precious gems but later its most precious
resource became iron.

17. Homework
Complete the Colons and Semicolons worksheets.