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Revelle
Humanities Grammar Handbook
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| 6 Sentence
fragments 7 Run-on sentences 8 Verb agreement 13 Passive voice 15 ESL 17 Misplaced modifiers 18 Pronoun reference 20a Comparisons 21 Parallel construction 23 Commas 23d Sexist language 25/6 Semicolons & colons 29 Ellipsis 31 Brackets 35 Apostrophes 36 Abbreviations 37 Underlining 39 Numbers 41b Slang 41e Jargon 41f Pretentious language 42c Idioms 42e Clichés 43a Fluff |
25 & 26 Semicolon
and colon
Semicolons are used
to separate main clauses; consequently, you can use them instead of a period
in order to show a close relation between the two main clauses (as in this
sentence).
Colons are used in the following instances: to introduce long quotations; to introduce lists; and to separate two main clauses (except as above when a semicolon is preferable).
Do not use a semicolon when separating a main clause from a dependent clause
Incorrect: Penelope barely recognized Odysseus; because he was away for twenty years.
Revised: Penelope barely recognized Odysseus, because he was away for twenty years.
See your English Handbook for other instances of when and when not to use colons and semicolons.
