This document provides guidance on using semicolons and colons in sentences. It discusses using semicolons between two independent clauses with a transitional expression; between items in a series that already contain commas; and to join related independent clauses that offer contrasting or parallel information. A comma splice is defined as using only a comma between two independent clauses. Colons are used to introduce a list or explanatory material following an independent clause. Examples are given for correctly using semicolons and colons in sentences.

1. Group Work!
 Two sentences using a semicolon with two
independent clauses.
 Two sentences using a semicolon and a
transitional expression between two independent
clauses.
 One sentence with a comma splice.
 A sentence using a colon correctly.

2. Quiz Answers...
 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ELk3QT4Dv
NlQH46zwLMpGuv-x0UI_
lOL8mAsx3K9OX8/viewform

3. Semicolons!
 ”With educated people, I suppose, punctuation is
a matter of rule; with me it is a matter of feeling.
But I must say I have a great respect for the
semicolon; it’s a useful little chap.” <--Abraham
Lincoln
 Semicolons are a secondary divider. They give
you options.
 Semicolons are used between two items of equal
grammatical rank not already joined with a
coordinating conjunction. They will be joined
by a transitional expression.

4. Sentences!
 Two sentences using a semicolon with two
independent clauses.

5. Semicolons!!
 Two independent clauses, two phrases, etc.
Test your usage by placing a period between
them.
 The train ride is three days; by flight it takes
eight hours.
 Many baseball players make it to the majors via
hard work; however, he found other means.

6. Independent Clauses!
 Use a semicolon between related independent
clauses that offer contrasting or parellel
information that do not have a coordinating
conjunction.
 Paul Revere's The Boston Massacre is traditional
American protest art; Edward Hick's paintings
are socially conscious art with a religious strain.

7. Sentences
 One sentence with a comma splice.

8. Run On Sentences (An Intro)
 We will talk about this later in the month, but
using only a comma or no punctuation between
independent clauses will create a run on
sentence (specifically a comma splice).
 The sun is high, put on some sunblock. (comma
splice)

9.  Two sentences using a semicolon and a
transitional expression between two independent
clauses.

10. Independent Clauses With
Transitional Words
 Use a semicolon before a transitional word or
phrase to join two independent clauses.
 The transition will normally be followed by a
comma.
 Thomas Jefferson brought two hundred vanilla
beans and a recipe for vanilla ice cream back
from France; thus, he gave America its all-time
favorite ice cream flavor.
 (that's true)

11.  Pause.
 Take a breath.
 Questions?

12. Items In A Series!
 As you'll recall from our discussion of commas,
if there are already commas in the list of
elements you will add semicolons.
 Laramie, Wyoming; Wyoming, Deleware; and
Delaware, Ohio, were three of the places they
visited.

13. Don't Misuse Semicolons!
 Semicolons should be used for our good. Here
are some common misuses:
 Between a dependent clause and the rest of the
sentence (use a comma!)
 Introducing a list [use a colon! (stay tuned!)]
 Between two independent clauses joined by
coordinating conjunctions (use a comma!)
 Do not use a semicolon to introduce a quote.

14.  A sentence using a colon correctly.

15. Colons!
 Colons are used to introduce a series of
elements. According to Strunk & White, they
have ”more effect than the comma, less power to
separate than the semicolon” (7-8)
 It will be precedded by a complete sentence
 Waiting tables requires three skills: Memory,
speed, and balance.
 Colons will also be used to introduce
explanatory material.
 She had one dream: To play professional
basketball.

16. Look For Clues...
 Is there a coordinating conjunction?
- If yes, then probably use a comma.
 Can you put a period in place of semicolon?
 Remember that the word after a colon is
supposed to be capitalized (hint hint).

17. Supplemental Material
 Grammar Girl on semicolons.