English 10 / Unit 10: Grammar: Clauses, Sentence Structure and Punctuation
10.6 Semicolons, Colons and Dashes
Notes
These marks connect ideas in precise ways.
- Semicolon (;): joins two closely related independent clauses, often before a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore): The play was long; however, no one left. It also separates list items that already contain commas.
- Colon (:): comes after an independent clause to introduce a list, an explanation or a quotation: She packed three things: a map, a flashlight and water.
- Do not put a colon between a verb and its objects: We need: eggs and milk is wrong.
- Dash (—): sets off an interruption or adds emphasis: The answer—if there is one—lies in the final act.
Practice
Which sentence uses a colon correctly?
A colon should follow a complete independent clause.
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
A semicolon joins two independent clauses, here before "therefore."
"The prize—a trip to Greece—went to the youngest writer." The dashes mainly:
Dashes set off and emphasize the inserted phrase.
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