The Semi-Colon (;)
1. Used to form a compound sentence by linking two independent clauses. The two clauses must have a logical relation to one another. The semi-colon is often followed by an conjunctive adverb:
- The flood was devastating; many people were forced to abandon their homes.
- Hemingway was known for his short, tight sentences; Faulkner was admired for his vivid description.
- The students prepared for the exam for weeks; however, only half of the class passed.
2. To separate items in a potentially confusing list that already contains several commas. Adding semi-colons makes the list easier to read and less confusing.
- Students in the competition came from Vancouver, British Columbia; Toronto, Ontario; Fredericton, New Brunswick; and Brandon, Manitoba.
- Some of the award winners included Matthew McConaughy, best actor; Cate Blanchet, best actress; Alphonso Cuaron, directing; and Jared Leto, best supporting actor.
The Colon (:)
1. Used to introduce a list only after an independent clause.
- On exam day, be sure to have the following: two pencils, an eraser, your student ID, and your textbook.
- Not like this:
- On exam day, be sure to have: two pencils, an eraser, your student ID, and your textbook.
2. In formal writing, the colon can be used instead of a semi-colon to link two independent clauses if the second clause gives more information about or explains the first statement.
- The flood was devastating: many people were forced to abandon their homes.
The Dash
Much like the comma, the dash is used to add information within a sentence, either in the middle of a clause or at the end. Unlike the comma, the dash is normally used to bring attention to the inserted information:
- This is the way—the only way—to improve your writing skills.
- Jameson—the man who had been helping with the investigation—was revealed to be the murderer.
Parentheses ()
Much like the comma and the dash, parentheses are used to insert extra information within a sentence. However, parentheses are normally used to minimize the importance of the inserted information:
- The assignment (a comparison/contrast essay) is due at the end of the week.
Exercise
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