ACT Review Colons and Semicolons. Colon ( : ) A colon is used before a list or after an independent clause that is followed by information that directly.

ACT ReviewColons and Semicolons

Colon ( : )

• A colon is used before a list or after an independent clause that is followed by information that directly modifies or adds to the clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Colons ( : )

• Use a colon before a list.

1.We are required to bring the following items to camp: a sleeping bag, a pillow, an alarm clock, clothes, and personal care items.

2.The charming elements of the city are difficult to avoid the vintage lights, the cobbled streets, and the historic buildings.

Colons ( : )

• Colons can be used before direct quotations, after salutations in business correspondence, and between titles and subtitles.

1.Captain John Paul Jones said “I have not yet begun to fight.”

2.Dear Mr. Smith

3.Blaze A Story of Courage

Colons ( : )

• Use a colon after an independent clause that is followed by information that directly modifies or adds to the clause.

• Jennifer encountered a problem that she had not anticipated: a power outage.

• My sister suggested a great location the park down the street from our house.

Semicolon ( ; )

• A semicolon is used

• to join closely related independent clauses when a coordinate conjunction is not used

• with conjunctive adverbs to join main clauses

• to separate items in a series that contains commas

• to separate coordinate clauses when they are joined by transitional words or phrases.

Semicolon ( ; )

• Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses when a coordinate conjunction is not used.

1. Morgan starts a new job today; she is very excited.

2. I don’t understand the directions my teacher must explain them to me.

Semicolon ( ; )

• Use a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs to join independent clauses.

1.Nick is interested in taking the class; however, it does not suit his schedule.

2.My brother is very tall in fact, he is the tallest person in our family.

Semicolon ( ; )

• Use semicolons in a series to separate elements containing commas.

1. The art museum contained some fragile, old oil paintings; bronze, plaster, and marble statues; and recently completed modern art pieces.

2. My first meal at college consisted of cold, dry toast runny, undercooked eggs and very strong, acidic coffee.

Semicolon ( ; )

• Use a semicolon to separate coordinate clauses when they are joined by transitional words or phrases.

1. My sister and I enjoyed the play; afterwards, we stopped for an ice cream cone.OR: My sister and I enjoyed the play, and afterwards, we stopped for an ice cream cone.

2. Betty often misplaces her keys perhaps she should get a key locator.OR: Betty often misplaces her keys, so perhaps she should get a key locator.