COLONS:
Use after an independent clause to introduce a list, to introduce a quotation, OR to
connect two independent clauses
If a list follows an independent clause (a complete sentence), use a colon before the
list.
Underline the independent clause and the list. Highlight the colon.
We have everything for the camping trip: tent, sleeping bags, food, grill, compass,
and flashlight.
NOTE! Only use a colon after a full independent clause (complete sentence)!
Write whether the sentences are correct or wrong.
For the first day of school: pencils, pens, notebook, and eraser.
Wrong
I just need a few supplies: pencils, pens, notebook, and an eraser.
correct
The colon can also be placed between an independent clause and a
quotation.
Underline the independent clause and the quotations. Highlight the colon.
My principal always repeated his favorite motto: “Success is where luck and
preparation meet.”
WAIT! Aren’t we supposed to use a comma before a quotation?
YES! But if the introduction before the quotation is an independent clause,
a colon is also acceptable.
The colon can also connect two independent clauses.
Use a colon when two sentences need each other to communicate the whole idea
— when the first sentence requires clarification.
Underline each independent clause. Highlight the colon.
The detective made one thing certain: he was going to catch the criminals.
Think of the colon as similar to saying “let me let me explain”
or “here’s what I mean.”
Highlight the colon
Grace wanted to know why I didn’t text her back: my phone was stolen.
Tom is the smartest: he’ll know what to do.
SEMICOLONS:
Use to join two complete sentences OR add clarity to a long list
If two consecutive sentences relate to each other,
you can use a semicolon to convey this.
Underline each independent clause. Highlight the semicolon.
Let’s go to the supermarket; I need bread and eggs.
Use to connect ideas.
Highlight the semicolons.
He ordered another sandwich to go; he knew his roommate would be hungry.
I need to focus on my studies; I can’t have all this noise around me.
The semicolon can also provide clarity in long list that require many commas.
Underline the independent clause and highlight the semicolons.
I’ve lived in several different cities: Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; and Atlanta, GA.
The costume needs to be colorful with a blue, purple, and pink shirt; silver, gold,
and blue pants; and blue, sparkly, shoes.
THE COLON REVIEW
Can be used to connect two complete sentences
Can be used before a quotation
Use before a list
THE SEMICOLON REVIEW
Can be used to connect two complete sentences
Can provide clarity in long lists that contain many commas How will I know
whether to use a period, a semicolon, or a colon between two complete sentences?
Technically, all are grammatically correct. The choice is up to the writer.
NOTE! Readers tend to scan slightly faster when a semicolon or colon is used.
Writers often use them to help vary the rhythm of their writing and keep their
readers engaged.
NOTE! While colons and semicolons can both be used to connect sentences, they
are not always interchangeable!
A colon comes before a list or quotation.
A semicolon is used in the middle of a long list with many commas.
COLON OR SEMICOLON?
In his research paper, Jon explained:
“The reason for the change in the birds’ migration patterns is unknown.”
Would you like bacon, egg, and cheese; ham, sausage and egg; or cheese and
veggies?
I had to make-up so much homework from when I was sick :5 worksheets,
30 pages of reading, and a quiz.
Let me introduce you to Rosa’s sister, Gwen; her friend, Sam ; and her Aunt
Jennifer.
PARENTHESIS:
Use to contain information that is secondary or supplemental
Parentheses contain non-essential information meant to provide clarity.
Parentheses can contain a complete sentence, a fragment, a list, or a single word.
Underline the parentheses
Denise took first place (just as everyone expected).
People from that generation (such as Anna) don’t know what it was like before the
Internet.
NOTE! Any sentence that includes parentheses should be able to stand
alonewithout it.
If the parentheses contain a full independent clause, place
the period inside the parentheses.
I told him vanilla was my favorite (but the truth was I preferred mint.)
More frequently, parentheses contain sentence fragments. In these cases, place the
period outside the parentheses.
I didn’t tell him what my actual favorite flavor was (mint).
EM DASHES:
A punctuation mark that can substitute for a comma, colon, semicolon,
parentheses, or periods!
Just like with commas or parentheses, the em dash can indicate supplemental
information
Highlight the em dashes
He dressed for the occasion — a tailored suit with an expensive tie.
Katie went to the store alone — for the first time — with strict instructions from
her mother.
An em dash can also replace a colon to connect an independent clause with a list
Highlight the em dash, Underline the list.
He had everything ready at the airport — luggage, passport, and tickets.
She was given specific instructions — ask questions, write everything down, and
report back.
An em dash can also replace a colon or semicolon to connect two independent
clauses (complete sentences)
Highlight the em dash. Underline the two independent clauses.
He achieved his dream — but it came at a high price.
She always kept secrets — I knew I could trust her.
Em dashes draw attention to the text that follows and are considered “striking” or
“interruptive.”
Highlight the em dash. Underline the two independent clauses.
She pressed the panic button — the police would be there any minute.
PARENTHESES REVIEW
Provides supplemental information
The sentence should still make sense if the parentheses are removed
EM DASH REVIEW
Can substitute for a colon, semicolon, parentheses, comma, or period
Shows emphasis, gives a sense of interruption, focuses on text after the em dash—
don’t overuse
