Semicolon
When should a Semicolon be used
whenever a coordinating conjunction has been omitted between independent clauses
What is the colon used primarily for?
Answer: The colon is used primarily to call attention to the words that follow it.
Why is the use of a semicolon in the following sentence wrong?
If you need help; I can assist you.
A semicolon shouldn't be used to connect a subordinate clause and an independent clause.
He brought everything he needed for school_ a notebook, a pencil, and a pen.
Does the sentence above need a colon or a semicolon?
A colon to introduce the list
I have everything I need for my vacation a plane ticket, a suitcase, and my passport.
I have everything I need for my vacation: a plane ticket, a suitcase, and my passport.
Where should the semicolon go with two independent clauses with no coordinating conjunction
In between
Fill in the blanks:
Use a colon after an independent clause to direct attention to a ______, an ______, a ______, or a ______.
Answer: a list, an appositive, a quotation, or a summary/explanation.
Why is the use of a semicolon in the following sentence wrong?
A meeting was called by David; the team leader.
A semicolon shouldn't be used between an appositive and the word it refers to.
I wanted to go to the beach next weekend_ however, the weather forecast predicts rain.
Does the sentence above need a colon or a semicolon?
A semicolon to link closely related independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
He studied all night, however; he still failed the test.
He studied all night; however, he still failed the test.
What is the only exception when using semicolons
Only if one or both of the independent clauses contain a comma
Fix the error in this sentence and explain why is incorrect:
“My weekend plans include: going to the movies, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.”
Corrected sentence: My weekend plans include going to the movies, hanging out with friends, and playing video games. (No colon after include.) A colon must come after a full independent clause.The part before the colon — “My weekend plans include” — is not a complete sentence.
Why is the use of a semicolon in the following sentence wrong?
My top three ice cream flavors are; chocolate, mint, and strawberry!
Semicolons shouldn't introduce lists.
The deadline is approaching quickly_ we need to finish the project by the weekend.
Does the sentence above need a colon or a semicolon?
A semicolon to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction.
She loved games like: Monopoly, Clue, and Life.
She loved games like Monopoly, Clue, and Life.
When should you not use a semicolon? (name at least 2 situations)
Between a subordinate clause and the rest of the sentence.
Between an appositive and the word it refers to
To introduce a list
Between independent clauses joined by and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet.
Name at least 2 situations where you should not use a colon.
You should not use a colon:
Between a verb and its object or complement
Between a preposition and its object
After such as, including, or for example
Why is the use of a semicolon in the following sentence wrong?
I like to read; and my sister likes to play basketball.
Semicolons shouldn't be used between independent clauses joined by a FANBOYS.
Exception: If one or both of the independent clauses have commas in them, use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction between them.
She had a difficult decision to make_ should she go to college in California or stay in Florida with her family?
Does the sentence above need a colon or a semicolon?
A colon to introduce a question related to the independent clause.
Over the summer, he went to Portland, Oregon; Tokyo, Japan; and Las Vegas, Nevada.