Transcript Colons & Semicolons LEARN, PRACTICE, KNOW BY ELIZABETH BUCKHOLD ENTER Colon or Semicolon? Where do you want to begin? COLONS SEMICOLONS Colons: The Rules There are two ways to.

Colons & Semicolons
LEARN, PRACTICE, KNOW
BY ELIZABETH BUCKHOLD
ENTER
Colon or Semicolon?
Where do you want to begin?
COLONS
SEMICOLONS
Colons: The Rules
There are two ways to use a colon.
Rule #1
A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same sentence.
You must have the following supplies: glue, paper, and scissors.
Hints:
The words proceeding the colon must be a complete sentence.
Often the words “the following”, “these” or “as follows” is in the original sentence.
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Colons: The Rules
Rule #2
A colon can indicate an upcoming elaboration or definition.
While on vacation, I saw the most beautiful site in the world:
sunset at the Mackinaw Bridge.
Hint :
The words proceeding the colon must be a complete sentence.
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Colon Practice
Which sentence uses the colon correctly?
 To play basketball, you need: shoes, a towel, and a ball.
 There is one game I love above all: basketball.
 Why do these: basketball players practice so much?
answer
Practice Answer
To play basketball, you need: shoes, a towel, and a ball.
Wrong! The words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence
There is one game I love above all: basketball.
Correct! The words preceding the colon DO form a complete sentence while
setting up for a short, but sweet, elaboration.
Why do these: basketball players practice so much?
Wrong! The words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence.
Nor is the ending a list or an elaboration.
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Colon Questions
Try a few on your own.
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the colon used correctly?
Sometimes I sleep in English: don’t tell Mrs. Buckhold.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Colon Rules
Rule #1
A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same sentence.
Rule #2
A colon can indicate an upcoming elaboration or definition.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“Sometimes I sleep in English: don’t tell Mrs. Buckhold.”
is incorrect because…
…it doesn’t follow either colon rule.
…it is two complete sentences that should be joined with a semicolon.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“Sometimes I sleep in English: don’t tell Mrs. Buckhold.”
is incorrect because…
…it doesn’t follow either colon rule.
…it is two complete sentences that should be joined with a semicolon.
Next Question
Colon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the colon used correctly?
The pledge begins with these words: “I pledge
allegiance to the flag…”
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Colon Rules
Rule #1
A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same sentence.
Rule #2
A colon can indicate an upcoming elaboration or definition.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
The pledge begins with these words: “I pledge allegiance to the flag…”
is correct because…
…it indicates an upcoming elaboration/explanation.
…the words preceding the colon for a complete sentence.
…it uses the word “these” to indicate the upcoming explanation.
Try Again
Right Answer!
The pledge begins with these words: “I pledge allegiance to the flag…”
is correct because…
…it indicates an upcoming elaboration/explanation.
…the words preceding the colon for a complete sentence.
…it uses the word “these” to indicate the upcoming explanation.
Next Question
Colon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the colon used correctly?
When my mom gets mad: she can only say one thing,
“Go to your room!”
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Colon Rules
Rule #1
A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same sentence.
Rule #2
A colon can indicate an upcoming elaboration or definition.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
When my mom gets mad: she can only say one thing, “Go to your room!”
is incorrect because…
…the words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence.
…the phrase “she can only say one thing” isn’t a list or an elaboration.
…the colon should be placed after the word “thing.”
Try Again
Right Answer!
“When my mom gets mad: she can only say one thing, “Go to your room!”
is incorrect because…
…the words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence.
…the phrase “she can only say one thing” isn’t a list or an elaboration.
…the colon should be placed after the word “thing.”
Next Question
Colon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the colon used correctly?
Pink, yellow, and blue: these are Ashley’s
favorite colors.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Colon Rules
Rule #1
A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same sentence.
Rule #2
A colon can indicate an upcoming elaboration or definition.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“Pink, yellow, and blue: these are Ashley’s favorite colors”
is incorrect because…
…the words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence.
…the list must be following the colon, not in front of it.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“Pink, yellow, and blue: these are Ashley’s favorite colors”
is incorrect because…
…the words preceding the colon do not form a complete sentence.
…the list must be following the colon, not in front of it.
Next Question
Colon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the colon used correctly?
There has been only one class that has truly changed
my life: senior seminar.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Colon Rules
Rule #1
A colon can indicate an upcoming list in the same sentence.
Rule #2
A colon can indicate an upcoming elaboration or definition.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“There has been only one class that has truly changed my life: senior seminar,”
is correct because
…the words preceding the colon form a complete sentence.
…the words following the colon elaborate and clarify the beginning of the
sentence.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“There has been only one class that has truly changed my life: senior
seminar,”
is correct because
…the words preceding the colon form a complete sentence.
…the words following the colon elaborate and clarify the beginning of the
sentence.
Next
How well did you do?
Missed three or more?
Missed fewer than 2?
Click on the following link to
review a few more
examples.
Congratulations!
Click the following link to
discover semicolons.
COLONS
SEMICOLONS
Already know semicolons?
Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.
The Test
Colon Review
Where does the colon belong?
There is one action movie that stands out from the rest Die Hard.
I need the following books for my literature class Julius Caesar,
Beowulf, and Death of a Salesman.
All student enrolled in Publications must have taken all
prerequisites CP English 11, CP Communications,
Art, and Intro to Computers.
Click here for answers
Colon Review
Where does the colon belong?
There is one action movie that stands out from the rest: Die Hard.
I need the following books for my literature class : Julius Caesar,
Beowulf, and Death of a Salesman.
All student enrolled in Publications must have taken all
prerequisites : CP English 11, CP Communications,
Art, and Intro to Computers.
Next
Colon Review
Where does the colon belong?
My mother always asks me the hardest question when
deciding the Thanksgiving menu ham or turkey?
The following students need to report to the office Jamie, Greg, Nathan, and Josh.
Most kids who are granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation wish to go to the
happiest place on earth Walt Disney World.
Click here for answers
Colon Review
Where does the colon belong?
My mother always asks me the hardest question when
deciding the Thanksgiving menu : ham or turkey?
The following students need to report to the office
: Jamie, Greg, Nathan, and Josh.
Most kids who are granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation wish to go to the
happiest place on earth : Walt Disney World.
Next
How well did you do?
Missed one or fewer?
Missed two or more?
Stop here and see your
teacher for assistance.
Congratulations!
Click the following link to
discover semicolons.
SEMICOLONS
Already know semicolons?
Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.
The Test
Semicolons: The Rules
There are three ways to use a semicolon.
Rule #1
A semicolon can be used to separate two complete, simple
sentences without a conjunction.
I love sweets; chocolates are my favorite.
Hints:
Both sides of the semicolon must be complete sentences.
The sentences must be about the same subject matter.
Simple sentences don’t contain any phrases or clauses.
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Semicolons: The Rules
Rule #2
A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with a
conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.
Some people believe semicolons and colons are interchangeable;
however, they each have a separate set of rules.
Hint :
Common conjunctions: however, therefore, moreover, yet, but the fact is…
The conjunctions MUST be followed by a comma!
Again, both sides of the semicolon must be complete, simple sentences.
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Semicolons: The Rules
Rule #3
A semicolon can be used in the place of a separating comma in a
series/list when the items in the series/list contain commas.
The members of the Student Senate are Rachael, freshman;
David, sophomore; Ryan, junior; and Brenda, senior.
Hint :
This is uncommon and not tested on the ACT; however, it is valuable to know.
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Semicolon Practice
Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?
 I hate walking to school; in the winter.
 I need socks; a sweater; and a new pair of shoes.
 My favorite color is blue, therefore; that’s the color I painted my room.
 I sharpened my pencil in the library; Mrs. Buckhold’s sharpener is broken.
answer
Practice Answer
I hate walking to school; in the winter.
Wrong! The words behind the semicolon (in the winter) don’t form a complete sentence.
I need socks; a sweater; and a new pair of shoes.
Wrong! A semicolon is only used in a series/list when the items themselves contain a comma.
My favorite color is blue, therefore; that’s the color I painted my room.
Wrong! The semicolon goes BEFORE the conjunction and the comma goes AFTER.
I sharpened my pencil in the library; Mrs. Buckhold’s sharpener is broken.
Correct! Both sides of the semicolon are complete, simple, related sentences.
next
Semicolon Questions
Try a few on your own.
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the semicolon used correctly?
My locker is in the 400 hallway; therefore, I am always
late for Art.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Semicolon Rules
Rule #1
A semicolon can be used to separate two complete, simple
sentences without a conjunction.
Rule #2
A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with a
conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.
Rule #3
A semicolon can be used in the place of a the separating comma in a
series/list when the items in the series/list contain commas.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“My locker is in the 400 hallway; therefore, I am always late for Art,”
is correct because…
…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb (therefore) which is followed by
a comma
…each side of the semicolon is a complete sentence.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“My locker is in the 400 hallway; therefore, I am always late for Art,”
is correct because…
…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb (therefore) which is followed
by a comma
…each side of the semicolon is a complete sentence.
Next Question
Semicolon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the semicolon used correctly?
The following students need to report to the office;
Mike, John, Susan and Tim.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Semicolon Rules
Rule #1
A semicolon can be used to separate two complete, simple
sentences without a conjunction.
Rule #2
A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with a
conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.
Rule #3
A semicolon can be used in the place of a the separating comma in a
series/list when the items in the series/list contain commas.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“The following students need to report to the office; Mike, John, Susan and Tim,”
is incorrect because…
…a colon should be used to introduce the series
…it follows none of the semicolon rules. A semicolon will never be used to
introduce a series.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“The following students need to report to the office; Mike, John, Susan and
Tim,” is incorrect because…
…a colon should be used to introduce the series
…it follows none of the semicolon rules. A semicolon will never be used to
introduce a series.
Next Question
Semicolon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the semicolon used correctly?
Information about the characters Jack, the choir
leader; Ralph, the chosen leader; Piggy, the pudgy
one with glasses; and Simon, the epileptic with black
hair, will be on the test.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Semicolon Rules
Rule #1
A semicolon can be used to separate two complete, simple
sentences without a conjunction.
Rule #2
A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with a
conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.
Rule #3
A semicolon can be used in the place of a the separating comma in a
series/list when the items in the series/list contain commas.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“Information about the characters Jack, the choir leader; Ralph, the chosen
leader; Piggy, the pudgy one with glasses; and Simon, the epileptic with black
hair,* will be on the test,” is correct because…
…the semicolon is used in place of a comma in a series because the items in the
series contain commas
*The final comma is used to set off the phrase. A semicolon would not be used
because a semicolon only replaces a comma that separates items in a series,
such as the one preceding “and”.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“Information about the characters Jack, the choir leader; Ralph, the chosen
leader; Piggy, the pudgy one with glasses; and Simon, the epileptic with black
hair,* will be on the test,” is correct because…
…the semicolon is used in place of a comma in a series because the items in
the series contain commas
*The final comma is used to set off the phrase. A semicolon would not be
used because a semicolon only replaces a comma that separates items in a
series, such as the one preceding “and”.
Next Question
Semicolon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the semicolon used correctly?
Many people believe community service should be mandatory
for high school students; however, the truth is that students
will not participate unless forced.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Semicolon Rules
Rule #1
A semicolon can be used to separate two complete, simple
sentences without a conjunction.
Rule #2
A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with a
conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.
Rule #3
A semicolon can be used in the place of a the separating comma in a
series/list when the items in the series/list contain commas.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“Many people believe community service should be mandatory for high school
students; however, the truth is that students will not participate unless forced.”
is correct because…
…the semicolon separates two complete sentences.
…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb, which is followed by a comma.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“Many people believe community service should be mandatory for high school
students; however, the truth is that students will not participate unless forced,”
is correct because…
…the semicolon separates two complete sentences.
…the semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb, which is followed by a comma.
Next Question
Semicolon Questions
Click on the help button for a reminder of the rules.
Is the semicolon used correctly?
One day I was walking with my best friend, who needed someone to talk to,
and we saw the birds eating seed in the park; wishing to see the birds
closer, my friend and I walked up to them, held out our hands, and waited
to see if the birds would eat out of our hands.
HELP
WRONG
CORRECT
Help
Semicolon Rules
Rule #1
A semicolon can be used to separate two complete, simple
sentences without a conjunction.
Rule #2
A semicolon can connect a two complete sentences with a
conjunctive adverb joining the sentences.
Rule #3
A semicolon can be used in the place of a the separating comma in a
series/list when the items in the series/list contain commas.
Return to Question
Oops!
Incorrect
“One day I was walking with my best friend, who needed someone to talk to, and
we saw the birds eating seed in the park; wishing to see the birds closer, my
friend and I walked up to them, held out our hands, and waited to see if the
birds would eat out of our hands,” is incorrect because…
…the semicolon is connecting two complete, but complex, sentences. The
sentences a semicolon connects must be simple. Otherwise, it appears as a long,
run on sentence to the reader.
Try Again
Right Answer!
“One day I was walking with my best friend, who needed someone to talk to,
and we saw the birds eating seed in the park; wishing to see the birds closer,
my friend and I walked up to them, held out our hands, and waited to see if
the birds would eat out of our hands,”
is incorrect because…
…the semicolon is connecting two complete, but complex, sentences. The
sentences a semicolon connects must be simple. Otherwise, it appears as a
long, run on sentence to the reader.
Next
How well did you do?
Missed three or more?
Missed fewer than 2?
Click on the following link to
review a few more
examples.
Congratulations!
Click the following link to
discover colons.
SEMICOLONS
COLONS
Already know colons?
Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.
The Test
Semicolon Review
Where does the semicolon belong?
I had a cold on Monday therefore, I missed school.
I hit a tree on the way to school yesterday
now I have to ride the bus.
In order to graduate you have to take senior seminar, where you
will make your portfolio, Government, a social studies class, and
English 12, the last English class.
Click here for answers
Semicolon Review
Where does the semicolon belong?
I had a cold on Monday ; therefore, I missed school.
I hit a tree on the way to school yesterday ;
now I have to ride the bus.
In order to graduate you have to take senior seminar, where you
will make your portfolio ; Government, a social studies class ; and
English 12, the last English class.
Next
Semicolon Review
Where does the semicolon belong?
My favorite type of literature is historical fiction Phillipa Gregory
is my favorite author of historical fiction.
I used to eat a lot of white bread however, I now know that whole
wheat bread is much healthier for me.
The English teachers at CPS are Ms. Giacobone, English 10,
Mrs. Clark, English 9, Mrs. Grunert, English 11,
Mrs. Buckhold, English 11, and Mr. Miller, English 12.
Click here for answers
Semicolon Review
Where does the semicolon belong?
My favorite type of literature is historical fiction ; Phillipa Gregory
is my favorite author of historical fiction.
I used to eat a lot of white bread ; however, I now know that whole
wheat bread is much healthier for me.
The English teachers at CPS are Ms. Giacobone, English 10 ;
Mrs. Clark, English 9 ; Mrs. Grunert, English 11 ;
Mrs. Buckhold, English 11 ; and Mr. Miller, English 12.
Next
How well did you do?
Missed one or fewer?
Missed two or more?
Stop here and see your
teacher for assistance.
Congratulations!
Click the following link to
discover colons.
COLONS
Already know colons?
Click the link below to take the colon/semicolon test.
The Test
COLON & SEMICOLONS: THE TEST
BEGIN
1) On a blustery, windy day, I saw the scariest thing ever ? a funnel cloud.
next
2)When I go to school, I always arrive late ? therefore, I often have detentions.
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3) I need to have the following items ? my pencil, my notebook, and my novel.
next
4) I’ve read several British works ? Hamlet, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Lord of the Flies.
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5) There is another way to use a colon ? it separates the hour and minutes in digital time.
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6) A semicolon may be used in a series with commas integrated ?
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7) Which one do I use ?
however, it is rare.
a semicolon or a colon?
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8) Sometimes I use a semicolon ? sometimes I prefer a colon.
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9) Semicolons are often confused with colons ? however, they aren’t interchangeable.
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10) The ACT English test includes my biggest weakness ? punctuation.
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11) The Reading test includes the following ? prose, natural science, humanities and social science.
Next
COLON & SEMICOLONS: THE TEST
12) Ever since I was a child and read Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne,
I have wanted to travel to one place ? Reykjavik , Iceland
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13) I have an extensive list of favorite novels ? Sense and Sensibility, by
Jane Austen ? For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway ? Macbeth, by William
Shakespeare ? and The DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown.
14) My tenth grade English teacher, Mr. Smith, is effective because he is passionate
about the subject of American literature ? moreover, he teaches it so his
students become passionate, too.
15) Ever since I was a child, I have had reoccurring nightmares about
a horrible, frightful thing ? fiery volcanoes erupting in my backyard.
Turn your answers into the teacher.
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THE END
Congratulations!
You have completed the colon and semicolon tutorials.
Now you may use them appropriately in your writing
and
identify proper or improper use in your reading material.