Colon / Semicolon Flashcards
There are three types of muscles in the body: cardiac, smooth, and skeletal.
Correct or not
Correct
When you see a colon it represents a silent (and they are) example.
There are 3 types of muscles in the human body (and they are): cardiac, smooth, skeletal.
True or false
True
We have 2 options here: stay and fight, or run like the wind.
Correct or not
Correct
Colons can introduce a quotation
True or false
True
He ended with the immortal words of Neil Young: “ Rock and Roll can never die. “
Correct or not
Correct
A colon can be used to seperate two independent clauses when a) the second clause is directly related to the first and b) when the emphasis is on the 1st clause.
True or False
False.
When the emphasis is on the 2nd independent clause you can use a colon.
A dolphin is not a fish: it is a warm-blooded mammal.
The research is conclusive: climate change is a reality.
Both correct
When should the word after a colon be capitalized?
In a quotation
When what follows is 2 or more complete sentences
I have several plans for my immediate future: first, im going to marry Brad Pit. Second, I will win the lottery. Third, I will buy my former high school and have it demolished.
Correct or not
Yes
Capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows is 2 or more complete sentences.
The three types of muscles in the body are: cardiac, smooth, and skeletal.
Incorrect
The colon seperates the verb from the subject
Which is correct and why?
When I graduate, I want to go to: Rome, Israel, and Egypt.
When I graduate, I want to go to Rome, Israel, and Egypt.
1 seperates the preposition (to) from the objects (Rome, Israel, and Egypt )
- Is correct
The most common use of a semi colon is to join 2 independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction
True or false
False
It is to join 2 independent clauses with out a conjunction
Use a semicolon when you have a conjunctive adverb
( moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, then, finally)
linking 2 independiente clauses.
True or false
True
I’m not a fan of tiger lillies; moreover, they don’t smell very good.
Correct
Which is correct
- I awnsered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other line.
- I awnsered the phone: but no one seemed to be on the other line.
- Before a “FAN BOYS” conjunction use a comma not a colon.
Which is correct
- You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.
- You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.
- Use a semicolon to separate 2 independiente clauses with out a conjunction.
Which is correct
- We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
- We ask; therefore, you keep this matter confidential.
- Use commas because it isn’t 2 independiente clauses.
Which is correct
- The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore, I expect the shipment by now.
- The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expect the shipment by now.
- Use a semicolon before and a comma after, introductory words such as however, therefore, for example when they introduce a complete sentence
- The American flag has three colors red, white, and blue.
- The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.
- Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list
- She said she loved the book; so I gave it to her.
- She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
- Use a comma between 2 independiente clauses when joined by a FAN BOYS conjunction
- She has three dogs: two poodles and a beagle.
- She has three dogs; two poodles and a beagle
- Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list.
- I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.
- I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
- Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contains a comma.
- I need a few items from the store; a bottle opener, clothespins, and napkins.
- I need a few items from the store: a bottle opener, clothespins, and napkins.
- Use a colon to introduce list after a complete sentence.
When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun.
True or False
True
Average nurse salary in MI is 70,000$ for an RN
Get that cash bro !!!!
You must bring basic supplies to class, such as: a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
A. supplies to class, such as a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
B. supplies to class: such as, a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
C. supplies to class: such as: a pen or pencil, paper, a calculator, and a textbook.
D. No error
A: A rule for using colons is to add one between a complete sentence and a list of items in the absence of introductory words. In this example, the introductory words are “such as,” precluding the need for a colon. No punctuation is needed before or after “such as.” Without these words, a colon would be correct (e.g. “You must bring basic supplies to class: a pen or pencil…”).
The jeweler’s “four Cs” of appraising diamonds are these: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats.
A. diamonds are these. Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carats.
B. diamonds are these, Color: Clarity: Cut: and Carats.
C. diamonds: are these Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats.
D. No error
D: This construction is correct. When listing items following a complete sentence, introduce them with a colon if no introductory words (e.g. “that is,” “for example,” “namely,” etc.) are included. The period in choice A is incorrect because the list that follows it is not a sentence. Additionally, there is nothing introducing the list to show the relationship between it and the sentence preceding it. A colon is a better choice than the comma in choice
The ideal candidate will be able to (1) do research, (2) write articles, and (3) edit and proofread.
A. will be able to:
B. The ideal candidate: will
C. to (1): do research, (2): write articles, and (3): edit and proofread.
D. No error
D: When listing items, no colon is used unless a complete sentence precedes the list. In this example, “The ideal candidate will be able to” is not a complete sentence, so no colon is used. (Note: Some publications allow a colon to be used as a “style choice,” but this is not a grammatical rule.) There is no reason to place a colon between “candidate” (the subject) and “will.” It is incorrect to put colons after each number in the list.
The following donations are especially needed
• Disposable diapers
• Warm blankets
• Infant formula
A. The following donations are especially needed.
B. The following donations are especially needed:
C. The following donations are especially needed,
D. No error
B: The rule is to use a colon to introduce a list of items when the list is preceded by a complete sentence, as in this case. The period and the comma are not used for this purpose. Note also that when listing single words or phrases as bullet points, as in this example, punctuation and capitalization are optional.
He was dehydrated; he had drunk no water in days.
A. He was dehydrated, he had drunk no water in days.
B. He was dehydrated: He had drunk no water in days.
C. He was dehydrated: he had drunk no water in days.
D. No error
C: When the second of two independent clauses illustrates or explains the first clause and there is no coordinating conjunction between them (e.g. “because,” “as,” or “since”), separate the two with a colon rather than a semicolon. Separating two independent clauses with a comma is incorrect. The first word of the second clause (the one immediately following the colon) should be capitalized only if two or more clauses or sentences are used to explain or illustrate the first clause. When only one explanatory or illustrative clause follows the first clause, no capitalization is necessary.
Whole grains are better than refined grains; they have more fiber. They are also more filling.
A. than refined grains: they have
B. than refined grains: They have
C. than refined grains, they have
D. No error
B: The second independent clause of the first sentence explains the first independent clause. When this is the case, separate the two clauses with a colon, not a semicolon. If only one explanatory clause or sentence follows the first clause, do not capitalize the first word of the second clause. However, if two or more explanatory clauses or sentences follow the first, as in this example, the first word of the second clause should be capitalized. Using a comma to separate independent clauses is incorrect.
Dear Mr. President,
A. Dear Mr. President:
B. Dear Mr. President;
C. Dear Mr. President—
D. No error
A: This salutation opens a formal business letter. The correct punctuation for business letter salutations is the colon. The comma is only used in salutations for personal or informal letters (e.g. “Dear John,”). The semicolon is not a correct punctuation mark for any letter salutation. The hyphen or dash is only used in very informal communications, such as e-mails, mass-mailed promotional form letters, etc.
In 1848, as a first-term Congressman, Abraham Lincoln defended the right of self-government for Texas when he said, “Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable – a most sacred right – a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world.”
C: When using a quotation longer than three lines, the quotation should be introduced with a colon, not a comma. It should also have a blank space above and below it. Additionally, quotations this long should be indented. Finally, quotation marks should not enclose such spaced, indented, longer quotations. The form of the quotation presented in the question breaks all of these rules. Choice A contains a colon and the quotation is indented, but quotation marks are incorrectly used and there is no space above or below the quotation. Choice B has no punctuation to introduce the quotation. There are no indentations or spaces, and it includes quotation marks.
I drive my car much less than I did 10 years ago: because I work at home now.
A. ten years ago: Because
B. ten years ago; because
C. ten years ago because
D. No error
C: No punctuation is required within this sentence. The word “because” is a subordinating conjunction that connects the clause “I work at home now” to the first clause, “I drive my car much less than I did 10 years ago.” The colon would only be used in place of the word “because,” not in addition to it. Placing a colon before “Because” and capitalizing the “B” is also incorrect. A colon followed by a sentence with the first letter of the first word capitalized is only correct if a subordinating conjunction like “because” is not used. The second sentence must also illustrate or explain the previous one. Placing a semicolon before “because” is also incorrect.
International Business Systems
3001 Farrington Street, #105-B
Dallas, Texas 75207
October 23, 2011
Ms. Marta Betancourt
3006 Woodside, #3011
Dallas, Texas 75204
Dear Marta:
A. Dear Marta,
B. Dear Marta;
C. Dear Ms. Betancourt,
D. No error
D: This is correct. The rule for business letter salutations is to use a colon even when using the addressee’s first name. While the more formal “Ms. Betancourt” might be preferred in a business letter, there are business communications with first-name salutations. For example, the writer may have a business (not personal) relationship with the addressee, but it is a long-standing, cordial relationship, and they call one another by their first names. Also, some businesses may use first-name salutations to establish rapport with addressees. Commas are only for personal letters. Semicolons are never used for letter salutations.
The three types of rock are: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Correct or not
Not
Correct : The three types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
That’s the key: What to do about rust.
Correct or not
Not
Correct : That’s the key: what to do about rust.
Do not capitalize the first word of a phrase or an incomplete sentence that follows a colon unless it is a proper noun. (Some style guides recommend capitalizing the first word following a colon only when the explanatory content consists of two or more sentences. However, others consider that suggestion too restrictive and advise capitalizing one or more complete explanatory sentences; I endorse this style.)
Try the following steps: Rinse, lather, and repeat.
Correct or Not
Correct
The imperative statement preceding the colon is a complete thought; this sentence is correct.
Smith said: “That’s the way I look at it.”
Correct or not
Not
Correct : Smith said, “That’s the way I look at it.”
An attribution should be followed by a comma, not a colon. (Exception: Use a colon if the attribution is a complete thought.
For example: Compare the two images below.
Correct or not
Not
Correct : For example, compare the two images below.
Always use a comma, not a colon, after an introductory phrase.
Use a (semicolon or colon) to join an independent clause to a word, phrase or clause with the idea that the second element is to explain or illustrate the idea of first clause.
Colon
He opened two more clinics ( ; or : ) he barely had enough money for one clinic. (contrary outcome)
;
Use a ( semicolon or colon ) to relate the idea of one clause to another. No conjunction is used; the relationship is understood from the context. In some sentences, either a colon or a semicolon can be used.
Semicolon
Local business supported him ( : or ; ) they gave him supplies and money. “that is”
:
A (colon or semicolon) is placed before a list of examples (words or phrases) or a clause giving details related to the first clause
Replace the punctuation mark with “for example” and it will make sense
Colon
The trip to Frankfurt takes several hours( : or ; ) it is about ten hours without traffic.
:
Remember replace a colon with “for example” to see if it makes sense
If it doesn’t make sense use a semi colon
The trip to Frankfurt takes several hours ( ; or : ) the flight is long and tiring.
;
When in doubt if it’s a colon or a semicolon, replace it with the phrase “for example “ if it makes senses it is a colon.
A ( semicolon or colon ) joins two independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the clauses are of equal emphasis – “In other words
Semicolon
The airport terminal is rather confusing to get around ( ; or : )give yourself plenty of time to find your gate.
;
A semicolon replaces the phrase “ in other words “ and makes sense
Security is high at the airport( : or ; ) all areas are on alert.
;
Replace a semicolon with the phrase “in other words” if it makes sense it’s a semicolon
Airlines are offering less service in flight( : or ; ) fewer items are free on board.
;
Replace a semicolon with the phrase ( in other words ) if it makes sense it’s a semicolon
The airport terminal is rather confusing to get around ( ; or : ) signs are missing or inaccurate.
:
Replace a colon with the phrase (for example) if it makes sense it is a colon
Security is high at the airport( : or ; ) car trunks, suitcases and people are carefully searched.
:
Replace a colon with the phrase ( for example) if it makes sense it’s a colon
Airlines are offering fewer service( ; or : ) you have to pay for a meal or a blanket.
:
Replace a colon with the phrase ( for example) if it makes sense it is a colon.
The independent clause after a colon explains the first clause.
While the clause after a semicolon restates the first clause.
True or False
True
They were ready, they were willing, they were able, and they were there.
They were ready, they were willing, they were able; and they were there.
They were ready; they were willing; they were able, and they were there.
They were ready they were willing they were able; and they were there.
No error
They were ready; they were willing; they were able, and they were there.
Please bring needed camping supplies for example a tent, a sleeping bag, and a lantern.
Please bring needed camping supplies; for example, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a lantern.
Please bring needed camping supplies, for example, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a lantern.
Either answer A or answer B
No error
Either answer A or answer B
When I am done with my work I will help you with yours and then your work will be done sooner.
When I am done with my work, I will help you with yours, and then your work will be done sooner.
When I am done, with my work I will help you with yours and then; your work will be done sooner.
When I am done with my work, I will help you with yours; and then your work will be done sooner.
No error
C:When two independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction (“and” in this case) and the first clause contains one or more commas, separate the two clauses with a semicolon. The example has no punctuation (except the period at the end) and is thus a run-on sentence. It is correct to separate the dependent clause (when I am done with my work) from the first independent clause (I will help you with yours) with a comma; however, it is incorrect to separate the clause having the internal comma from the other clause (A). A comma is incorrectly placed between “am done” and “with my work” in (B), making it seem as if the prepositional phrase modifies “I will help you” and confusing the meaning.
