Eng 102

Semicolons The Colon

Semicolon
used to connect major sentence elements of equal grammatical rank
Use

a semicolon between closely related complete sentences not joined with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)

In 1800, a traveler needed six weeks to get from New York City to Chicago; in 1860, the trip by railroad took only two days.

Semicolon
Use

a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression Many corals grow very gradually; in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries. Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek, with Mr. Spock, Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylons, and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.
Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek, with Mr. Spock; Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylons; Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.

Semicolon
Do

not use a semicolon between an appositive and the word to which it refers WRONG - The scientists were fascinated by the species Argyroneta aquatica; a spider that lives underwater. Do not use a semicolon to introduce a list WRONG - Some of my favorite foods include; pizza, fries, and lobster. Do not use a semicolon between sentences joined by FANBOYS WRONG - Five of the applicants had worked with spreadsheets; but only one was familiar with database management.

Colons

Colons

used primarily to call attention to words that follow Use a colon after an independent clause to direct attention to a list, an appositive, a quotation, or a summary/explanation The daily routine should have included at least the following items: twenty knee bends, fifty sit-ups, and five minutes of running in place.
My roommate is guilty of two of the seven deadly sins: gluttony and sloth. What do these two sentences have in common? This is the rule of thumb for colon usage.

Colons
Use

a colon according to convention

Dear Sir or Madam:

5:30 p.m. In proportions 2:1 Title and Subtitle The Glory of Hera: Greek Mythology and the Greek Family

Colons
Avoid

using a colon between a verb and its object/complement WRONG - Some important vitamins found in vegetables are: vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C. Avoid using a colon between a preposition and its object WRONG The hearts two pumps each consist of: an upper chamber, or atrium, and a lower chamber, or ventricle. Avoid using a colon after such as, including, or for example WRONG The NCAA regulates college athletic teams, including: basketball, baseball, softball, and football.

Grammar Portfolio Tasks

Create single panel cartoons or a multiple panel cartoon illustrating each semicolon rule (suggestion use www.stripcreator.com, www.storybird.com, www.glogster.com).
Create an advertisement for the rule of thumb when using a colon. Give an example of when not to use it. Give an example of how to use a colon correctly.

Monday
[

( - .../ --)] rough draft due Wednesday

Critique