Semicolons are awesome because they allow for subtle connections that compare, contrast, or even build upon each other. Semicolons can help create variety, emphasize relatedness and separate items in a list. Today, i would like to demystify the colon and semicolon just like we demystified that dirty word grammar. Nov 05, 2019 ten years ago, the author kurt vonnegut stirred things up with four sentences he wrote in his final book, a man without a country. How to use semicolons correctly rules and common mistakes. This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or.
A semicolon belongs in each of the following sentences. Serial commas and serial semicolons the mla style center. Strongcomma semicolons kathy steinemann on december 15, 2016 11. Watsons wit, spontaneity, and use of source material keeps it from becoming a diatribe on the evils of grammarians, although her position is clear. Lets take a look at proper semicolon use and how using the semicolon can add a little spice to your writing. Ive been a technical writer for about 7 years, and jane straus the blue book of grammar and punctuation is the best reference ive found. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. All it takes is the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Most newspapers and magazines drop theoxford comma in a simple. The infographic will make learning the rules easier.
The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. We can condense it down to this much shorter sentence here by using semicolons in the place of the regular list commas. We use semicolons to punctuate a complex list, which is when list items. With over 200,000 copies sold, this is one of the most highly trusted english language resources available. A punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. When this happens, you can use semicolons to separate them. Lesson 246 of a compound sentence a compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses.
Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. The blue book of punctuation and grammar gives this example. The blue book of grammar and punctuation jane straus on. The semicolon prevents the repetition of the comma and keeps apart the more important members of the sentence. The mysteries of grammar and punctuation revealed new, expanded eighth edition jane straus on.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Semicolons are most often used to separate two equal independent clauses within one complete sentence semicolon example. However, this is a very particular situation, so youll want to pay close attention. It first appeared in 1494, in a book published in venice by aldus manutius. The semicolon represents a break midway between a comma and a full stop, and is principally used to separate independent sentencelike clauses that are strongly related never use a lathe or any other machine in the workshop if you are feeling ill or tired. In the english language, a semicolon can be used between two closely related independent clauses, provided they are not already joined by a coordinating conjunction. I love that the colon and semicolon have been brought into question for a few reasons, the use of colons and semicolons is declining. However, sometimes the list items themselves contain commas. According to the rules of english grammar, semicolons, unlike commas and full stops, always go outside of the quotation marks. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a combination reference book and workbook.
They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. Learn how to avoid grammar gridlock by following the punctuation guidelines shown below. Yes, that means there are four total sentences up thereand thanks to the semicolon, only two capital letters.
Grammar 101 semicolons and colons when it comes to semicolons, there are four types of people in the world. Feb 10, 2014 the blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition english usage rules explained in plain english it doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. In this case, its called a super comma, but were gonna get to that in another video. Im providing you only with the information related to some of the most common errors i see in student writing. Punctuation commas, semicolons, and colons english 10 bcr. This handy workbook is ideal for teachers, students in middle school through college, esl students, homeschoolers, and professionals. An easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes at. It doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. Then select the word that comes just before the semicolon. Another great resource for trying to decipher grammar rules is grammar girl. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how the emphasis is distributed. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition pages. The title is a tad misleading, as the muchmaligned semicolon is used as a reference point for the peccadilloes of punctuation in general.
Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. But it has done one thing answered each and every one of my grammar and punctuationrelated questions. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition. Daily grammar lesson 381 mechanics punctuation semicolons. If you accidentally click on the wrong button, simply click on the button you meant to. You should use semicolons when you are separating items in a list that contain commas. Quite often it is the writers opinion that will determine which of. Under semicolon, the book says, its main role is to indicate a separation between two parts of a sentence that is stronger than a comma but less strong than dividing the sentence in two. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated. For a simple list, howevereven if it is introduced by a colona comma is preferred. When jimmy carter was inaugurated as the governor of georgia in january of 1971, he spoke these ringing words. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Clear and concise, easytofollow, offering just the facts fully updated to reflect the latest rules in grammar and usage along with new quizzes ideal for students from seventh grade through adulthood in the us and abroad for anyone who wants to understand the major rules and subtle guidelines of english grammar and usage, the blue book of.
Please note that there are a few other ways of using semicolons i. This lesson, which deals with the colon and the semi colon, is part of a series of lessons i am making on how we use punctuation marks. Punctuation is an essential part of writing in english and can change the whole point of the writing if didnt use at the right place. If semicolons can link independent clauses that would otherwise have a period or a conjunction between them, that means they can demonstrate contrast, too.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition english usage rules explained in plain english it doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. May be used to practice, reinforce, or teach grammar and punctuation skills. When elements in a series include internal punctuation, or when they are very long and complex, they may need to be separated by semicolons rather than by commas see 6. When the quoted matter ends with a semicolon, the semicolon in the quotation is dropped. Commas 1 commas and semicolons these are some basic rules regarding commas and semicolons. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. So right after telling you that semicolons shouldnt be used like commas, we should discuss one situation where the semicolon does function more like a comma. In semicolon, cecelia watson charts the rise and fall of this infamous punctuation mark, which for years was the trendiest one in the world of letters.
Take this quiz and test your knowledge, even if you get the answers wrong, you can always learn. According to rule 1 for semicolons, use a semicolon to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Our rule 1a of semicolons says, a semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences. Its important to note that a semicolon isnt just a stronger version of a comma. Feb 10, 2014 the blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition. Aug 11, 2007 would i put a comma after but limited to. An easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes kindle edition published february 18th 2010 by josseybass. Most newspapers and magazines drop theoxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling its unnecessary. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition. That something can either be the right conjunction or the period that turns a comma into a semicolon. This workbook answers those kinds of questions crisply and clearly, and it includes. The blue book of grammar and punctuation an easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes tenth edition jane straus 3.
Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a comma splice. Semicolon is the story of a small mark that can carry. Separate independent clauses joined by a conjunction and, or, but, etc. Punctuation marks are tools that have set function. An easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes by jane straus, lester kaufman, tom stern jane straus jane straus 1954 2011 was an educator and bestselling author with extensive experience teaching english to adult learners. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. The blue book of grammar and punctuation an easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes tenth edition jane straus 2. No poor, rural, weak, or black person should ever have to bear the additional burden of being deprived of the opportunity of an education, a job, or simple justice. A revised and updated new edition of the bestselling workbook and grammar guide the blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. No one writing handbook or grammar guide should suffice for careful writers, and though jane strauss the blue book of grammar and punctuation is less comprehensive than some other resources, its largeformat workbook approach provides a readerfriendly introduction to the intricacies of proper prose. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Its extremely well organized, ensuring that readers can quickly locate a required topic. This was not at all unpleasant, but i felt like watson could have broadened the scope of her book by calling it a history if punctuation and broadening the work with even more information on those marks beside the.
Because the semicolon is playing a special role in the case of the complex list, sometimes its referred to as a supercomma. This post is all about colons and semicolons punctuation is the name for the marks we use in writing. When it comes to colons, grammar girl writes that you should be able to replace a colon with the word namely. An easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes, 11th edition. Daily grammar lesson 384 mechanics punctuation semicolons. With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it helps writers. Rule 4 of colons says, 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. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas.
In a normal list, the list items are separated by commas. Thats exactly why you cant substitute a comma for a semicolon. Be careful here not to confuse ly adverbs with adjectives as ly adverbs dont necessarily need commas after them. But in the nineteenth century, as grammar books became all the rage, the rules of how we use language became both stricter and more confusing, with the semicolon a prime victim. This worksheet covers some of the most common uses of colons and semi colons. Jan 01, 1997 the blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif.
When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in theabove example, it is known as the oxford comma. And, if you are quoting someone and the phrase you chose ends in a mark. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. To distinguish between the comma and the semicolon is an achievement, a real test of understanding punctuation. Accommodations can include, but are not limited to, allowing additional time to take a test, reading the test directions aloud, reading the entire test aloud, allowing the student to take the test in a distractionfree area, sectioning the test into several sessions, allowing multiple breaks while testing, and having. Concepts are described in clear and simple phrases, and backed up with examples one would find in everyday language. Were here to help in the event of a school closure. Start studying grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. So for now, this is how you use a semicolon to link parts of a sentence. An easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes by jane straus, lester kaufman, tom stern. Editions of the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Rule 4 for colons says that if the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence, then a colon is used. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app.
Semicolon comes outside the semicolon should be placed outside ending quotation marks. By the end of this video, you will know the basics about using a semicolon. They add clarity, call attention to sentence elements and improve the flow, but they also add drama and are destructive if overused. Aug 19, 20 dashes, semicolons and colons are potent punctuation. Her lively biography tells the story of a mark with an unusual talent for. How to make your semicolon use daring and correct grammar. Although the semicolon was mostly at the centre of the book, there were a lot of detours to grammar and other punctuation marks. Many english speakers are uncertain about the correct usage of the colon and the semi colon. Tim and moby introduce you to a strange and useful punctuation mark. What chandler and other excellent writers knew is that a book of grammar rules is incapable of answering the question of how, and how often, to use a semicolon, because the answer is a matter of. Using semicolons before conjunctions and, or, but, etc.
Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. I write for a living and soon after buying this book, i condensed my halfadozen writers reference books into one source, the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Problems with semicolons except when used to separate items in a series, a semicolon must be followed by an independent clause or else you create a sentence fragment. My workshop students always have questions about grammar and punctuationhow to use semicolons, whether its okay to end a sentence with a preposition, when to capitalize a noun, and more. Pay attention to where you put them, and remember that semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or colons. The blue book of grammar and punctuation and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. Grammar girl explains how to use them well and improve your writing. Semicolons are often confused with other punctuation marks. Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. You need a comma plus something to avoid a comma splice.
For the longest time, i thought semicolons were a piece of punctuation that indicated a longer pause than a comma that was simultaneously shorter than a period or colon. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. Use a comma inside quotation marks at the conclusion of. Use a semicolon to separate phrases a phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. You can use them to make a quick pair or series of ideas, each extending from the one before it. If you are expecting a scholarly exegisis on why you should use a semicolon as. With todays almostilliterate younger generation, i often wonder how much punctuation, grammar, and spelling they notice as they spew out improper theyre, there, their, and countless other stupidities. The smallest group is the ones who know how to use one properly. The semicolon is generally used in long sentences, but you can also use it properly in short ones. The other most common use of semicolons is to separate lists when commas are present within the list itself which is part of a single independent clause. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to reallife, entertaining examples. Semicolons can also be used in place of commas to separate the items in a list, particularly when the elements of that list contain commas. Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed.
Serial commas and serial semicolons by erika suffern serial commas. Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma also called series comma, oxford comma, and harvard comma. Rules for using semicolons a semicolon is most commonly used to link in a single sentence two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses a clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb.
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