From Warriner’S English Grammar And Composition Complete Course

From Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition Complete Course

The Semicolon 1. Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so. Examples Three candidates have filed for the new commission seat; none of them have any previous experience in public office.

Read all the choices; don’t write the first answer that seems correct.

You must have some basis for deciding whether to use two independent clauses with a semicolon between them, or two sentences with a period (and capital letter). In most writing, the division into sentences is preferable. A semicolon is used only when the ideas in the two clauses are so closely related that a period would make too distinct a break between them.

2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by such words as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, otherwise, therefore, however, consequently, instead, hence.

Examples Everyone in this area takes visitors to our local tourist attraction; for instance, I went there just last Sunday with my visiting aunt.

The speech was long and repetitious; consequently, listeners fidgeted in their seats and whispered among themselves.

The situation is intolerable; therefore, we need to take immediate action.

3. A semicolon (rather than a comma) may be needed to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when there are commas within the clauses.

Example Super Stop, the store on Falk Avenue, sells not only groceries but also prescription drugs, cosmetics, hardware, garden supplies, and sportswear; and its first shoppers, interviewed on the news last week, seemed very pleased with the convenience the store offers.

4. Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.

Example Winners in the competition were Arlene Murphy, first place; Jeff Bates, second place; Ed Davis, third place; and Nancy Green, who, as a member of the Student council, had proposed the contest.

For practice exercises, please go to the following web site: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/skills/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_44.htm

The Colon

5. Use a colon to mean “note what follows.”

(a) Use a colon before a list of items, especially after the expressions like as follows and the following.

Examples Amazingly enough, the small bag held everything: shirts, pants, sweaters, a jacket, shoes, underwear, nightclothes, toiletries, and a present for my hosts.

Be prepared to answer the following questions: What was your last job? Why did you leave it? What other experiences have you had? [list introduced by “the following”]

NOTE When a list comes immediately after a verb or a preposition, do not use a colon.

Examples We collected blankets, canned goods, medical supplies, and clothing for the flood victims. [list follows the verb collected]

Dan has always been interested in snakes, frogs, lizards, and other reptiles. [list follows the preposition in]

(b) Use a colon before a long, formal statement or quotation.

Example Dr. Stafford made the following observation: Cooperation between the leading nations of the world is essential to the survival of the planet. [Note that a formal statement like this need not be enclosed in quotation marks.]

(c) Use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause explains or restates the idea in the first.

Example Those hanging lamps are the most popular kind: they are inexpensive, come in many colors, and are easy to install.

6. Use a colon in certain conventional situations.

(d) Use a colon between the hour and the minute when you write the time.

Example 8:00 a.m.

(e) Use a colon between the chapter and verse in referring to passages from the Bible.

Example Proverbs 3:3

(f) Use a colon between volume and number or between volume and page number of a periodical. (g) Example Harper’s 203: 16 [volume and number]

Harper’s 203: 16-19 [volume and page numbers]

(h) Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.

Examples Dear Ms. Ayala: Gentlemen: Dear Sir or Madam:

Please go to the following web site for practice exercises: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/skills/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_43.htm#colonexercises

The Comma

The comma- the most frequently used mark of punctuation- is used mainly to group words that belong together and to separate those that do not. Certain other uses have little to do with meaning but are standard ways of punctuating sentences. For a further explanation, rules, and practice exercises on the use of the comma, please go to the following web site:

http://grammar.uoregon.edu/punctuation/comma.html