When to use a colon or a semicolon? Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. A colon, on the other hand, should be used for a stronger, more direct relationship. It should provide emphasis, an example, or an explanation.
Can complex sentences have semicolons?
Some lists already have commas to join dependent clauses or phrases. In this case, a semicolon can be used to separate the elements in a complex sentence.
What is a colon example?
A colon can be used to introduce a list. … For example, “Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter.” The words preceding the colon stand as a complete, grammatically correct sentence. The list offers further explanation.
What are the rules for using a colon?
The hard and fast rule is that a colon must ALWAYS follow a complete sentence. Do not use a colon after a sentence fragment, ever. A colon is used after a full sentence or independent clause to introduce something that illustrates, clarifies, or amplifies what was said in the sentence that preceded the colon.
What are 5 examples of complex sentences?
Common Complex Sentence Examples
- Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
- Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.
- She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged.
- Whenever prices goes up, customers buy less products.
What are 20 examples of compound sentences?
20 Compound Sentences in English
- I want to lose weight, yet I eat chocolate daily.
- A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.
- I used to be snow white, but I drifted.
- We went to the mall; however, we only went window-shopping.
- She is famous, yet she is very humble.
What are 5 examples of compound sentences?
5 Examples of Compound Sentences
- I want to lose weight, yet I eat chocolate daily.
- Michael did not like to read. She was not very good at it.
- Dr. Mark said I could come to his office on Friday or Saturday of next week.
- My favorite sport is skiing. I am vacationing in Hawaii this winter.
What is an example of a colon sentence?
A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.
What are colon sentences?
Colons are punctuation marks used to signal when what comes next is directly related to the previous sentence. They are used after complete sentences. It is especially important to remember that a colon is not used after a sentence fragment.
What is the difference between a colon semicolon and comma?
A semicolon is used to separate two ideas (two independent clauses) that are closely related. … Essentially, a semicolon is like a comma with more meaning or a colon with more flexibility.
When should you not use a colon?
Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as « such as, » « including, » and « for example. » Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.
Can you use a colon for a list of two things?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
How many spaces should you have after a colon?
Just as with the period, it used to be common to put two spaces after a colon, but now most style guides that address the matter (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style) recommend using only one space after a colon.
What are two complex sentences?
Common Complex Sentence Examples
Dependent Clause + Independent Clause (comma splits the clause) Independent Clause + Dependent Clause (comma usually does not split the clause)
How do you practice complex sentences?
Complex Sentence Worksheets
- I’m going to the bank _______ I need some money.
- I made lunch _________ I got home.
- ________ it’s raining, she’s going for a walk in the park.
- ________ she finishes her homework soon, she will fail the class.
- He decided to trust Tim ______ he was an honest man.
What’s the difference between compound and complex sentences?
A COMPLEX SENTENCE has one dependent clause (headed by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun ) joined to an independent clause. … A COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE has two independent clauses joined to one or more dependent clauses.
What are 3 compound sentences?
A compound sentence does not contain any dependent clauses.
- I like coffee. Mary likes tea. → I like coffee, and Mary likes tea.
- Mary went to work. John went to the party. I went home. → Mary went to work, but John went to the party, and I went home.
- Our car broke down. We came last. → Our car broke down; we came last.
What are the 3 types of compound sentences?
A compound sentence is a sentence formed from two or more simple sentences, or independent clauses (IC):
…
There are three ways of joining independent clauses into a compound sentence:
- with a coordinating conjunction (one of the fanboys);
- with a semicolon; or.
- with a semicolon and a transitional expression.
What are 10 examples of compound sentences or?
10 Compound Sentences in English
- Our car broke down. …
- They spoke to him in English, but she responded in Spanish.
- She goes to the beach, and she takes her cat.
- Although Michael reads novels, Joly reads comics.
- 5.As Alex was arriving to work, he realized he forgot his lunch.
What are 3 types of compound sentences?
A compound sentence is a sentence formed from two or more simple sentences, or independent clauses (IC):
…
There are three ways of joining independent clauses into a compound sentence:
- with a coordinating conjunction (one of the fanboys);
- with a semicolon; or.
- with a semicolon and a transitional expression.
What are the 4 types of compound sentences?
Different Types of Compound Sentences
- Coordinating Conjunction and a Comma. The most common way independent clauses in a compound sentence are linked is with a coordinating conjunction and a comma. …
- Semicolon. Semicolons join two independent clauses without any joining words like conjunctions. …
- Colon. …
- Dash.
Where do I put a colon?
You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related.
Can you end a paragraph with a colon?
The colon can be used to emphasize a phrase or single word at the end of a sentence. … In the second example below, an em dash is more common than a colon, though the use of a colon is nevertheless correct. After three weeks of deliberation, the jury finally reached a verdict: guilty.
Can I use a colon and semicolon in the same sentence?
Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. … In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities. Semicolons are used to separate each city and state from the next city and state in the list.
What are semicolons commas?
A group of words containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence or an independent clause. … Depending on the circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence: a comma or a semicolon. The choice is yours.
What is the proper way to use a semicolon?
Rule. Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
References
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