Semicolons and Colons
Semicolons: Connecting Ideas
Semicolons connect ideas, statements, and related thoughts that could be expressed in two sentences, merging them into one.
The primary use of a semicolon is to join two independent clauses (complete sentences) without using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so).
Example 1: Combining Sentences
Original sentences: "Duncan and John choose weapons." "They will fight to the death."
Combined sentence: "Duncan and John choose weapons; they will fight to the death."
Explanation: Two complete thoughts are joined by a semicolon, enhancing writing style and sentence variety, without using a conjunction.
Example 2: Combining Sentences (cont.)
Original sentences: "John's knife seems shorter." "It is buried in Duncan's chest."
Combined sentence: "John's knife seems shorter; it is buried in Duncan's chest."
Explanation: This combines two complete thoughts into one sentence using a semicolon.
Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs or Transitional Phrases
Semicolons can be used before a conjunctive adverb (e.g., nevertheless, however) or transitional phrase that links clauses in a compound sentence.
Example: Using "Nevertheless"
Original sentences: "Ted read this story last year." "He was just as involved with it this year."
Combined sentence: "Ted read this story last year; nevertheless, he was just as involved with it this year."
Explanation: The semicolon connects two complete thoughts and the transitional phrase 'nevertheless' provides a link between them. A comma follows 'nevertheless'.
Example: Using "However"
Sentence structure: "Some details are minor; however, some, like the knives, are crucial to understanding the story."
Explanation: The semicolon joins related thoughts, and 'however' (followed by a comma) provides a transition. Always include a comma after 'however'.
Semicolons in Series with Internal Commas
When listing items in a series, and those items already contain commas, semicolons are used to separate the items.
Example: Dates in a Historical Paper
"First drafts of our essays are due December 19, 1996; second drafts are due December 23, and one week later; final drafts are to be turned in on 01/03/1987."
Explanation: Semicolons are used to delineate items in the list (dates), because commas are already used within those items for clarity (e.g., "December 23, and one week later").
Colons: Introducing Lists
A colon (:) is used to introduce a list.
Example: Listing Important Elements
"The following are important elements in the poem: the mother's love, the daughter's departure, and her wishes for her father."
Explanation: The colon signals that a list of important elements will follow.
Semicolons: Connecting Ideas
Semicolons connect ideas, statements, and related thoughts that could be expressed in two sentences, merging them into one.
The primary use of a semicolon is to join two independent clauses (complete sentences) without using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so).
Example 1: Combining Sentences
Original sentences: "Duncan and John choose weapons." "They will fight to the death."
Combined sentence: "Duncan and John choose weapons; they will fight to the death."
Explanation: Two complete thoughts are joined by a semicolon, enhancing writing style and sentence variety, without using a conjunction.
Example 2: Combining Sentences (cont.)
Original sentences: "John's knife seems shorter." "It is buried in Duncan's chest."
Combined sentence: "John's knife seems shorter; it is buried in Duncan's chest."
Explanation: This combines two complete thoughts into one sentence using a semicolon.
Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs or Transitional Phrases
Semicolons can be used before a conjunctive adverb (e.g., nevertheless, however) or transitional phrase that links clauses in a compound sentence.
Example: Using "Nevertheless"
Original sentences: "Ted read this story last year." "He was just as involved with it this year."
Combined sentence: "Ted read this story last year; nevertheless, he was just as involved with it this year."
Explanation: The semicolon connects two complete thoughts and the transitional phrase 'nevertheless' provides a link between them. A comma follows 'nevertheless'.
Example: Using "However"
Sentence structure: "Some details are minor; however, some, like the knives, are crucial to understanding the story."
Explanation: The semicolon joins related thoughts, and 'however' (followed by a comma) provides a transition. Always include a comma after 'however'.
Semicolons in Series with Internal Commas
When listing items in a series, and those items already contain commas, semicolons are used to separate the items.
Example: Important Dates in a Historical Timeline
"The Renaissance began in Italy around 1400; significant events include the birth of Leonardo da Vinci on April 15, 1452; the publication of Copernicus's 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' in 1543; and the city of Florence hosting the Medici family's cultural patronage that flourished throughout the 15th century."
Explanation: Semicolons are used to delineate items in the list (historical events and birthdays).
Colons: Introducing Lists
A colon (:) is used to introduce a list.
Example: Listing Important Elements
"The following are important elements in the poem: the mother's love, the daughter's departure, and her wishes for her father."
Explanation: The colon signals that a list of important elements will follow.