This FANBOYS conjunction is used to present an alternative or choice.
What is "or"?
Which punctuation?
This is what I ate for breakfast ?? a bowl of oatmeal and an apple.
:
Use punctuation marks to correct the sentence.
Founded by Leonard and Bunny Brook the sanctuary is a safe home for all kinds of animals
Founded by Leonard and Bunny Brook, the sanctuary is a safe home for all kinds of animals.
What is a colon used for?
Colons are used to emphasize what follows it, like a dramatic pause.
In this context, an em dash can replace a pair of these punctuation marks, which separate items in a list.
What are commas?
The FANBOYS conjunction used to indicate a cause and effect relationship.
What is "so"?
Which punctuation?
The phone rang several times ?? no one answered.
;
Correct the sentence.
By the way have you seen any of Alfred Hitchcock's movies
By the way, have you seen any of Alfred Hitchcock's movies?
What is the semicolon used for?
To join two EQUAL independent clauses - no words are needed to show how the ICs go together.
When introducing a list or explanation, the em dash can serve as a strong alternative to this punctuation mark.
What is the colon?
This conjunction can be used to join two negative statements.
What is "nor"?
Which punctuation?
While we were walking the dog after dinner ?? the moon rose.
,
Correct the sentence.
Claire helped Jamie see his fate, "You're never going to win the talent show. You aren't talented enough."
Claire helped Jamie see his fate: "You're never going to win the talent show. You aren't talented enough."
What is a comma + FANBOYS used for?
To join two independent clauses in which a word is needed to show how they go together.
In dialogue, an em dash often indicates this, especially when a character is cut off.
What is an interruption?
This is a fancy "because."
What is "for"?
Ryan's best sport is basketball ?? but his brother excels at soccer.
,
Correct the sentence.
The following students gave reports Brevin Jacob and Elizabeth
The following students gave reports: Brevin, Jacob, and Elizabeth.
What is the difference between a colon (:) and a semicolon (;)?
Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list.
Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.
The em dash is typically longer than this punctuation mark, which is commonly used to show ranges or connections.
What is the en dash?
The FANBOYS that can indicate contrast or unexpected results in a sentence.
What is "yet"?
Which punctuation?
Mankind has only one thing left ?? hope.
:
Correct this sentence:
This year I want to visit four amazing cities; Paris, London, New York, and Barcelona.
This year I want to visit four amazing cities: Paris, London, New York, and Barcelona.
Why are there so many ways to join independent clauses?
To vary your writing
Provide one of the primary reasons writers use em dashes.
What is to create a dramatic pause or emphasis?