Semi-Colon, Colon, and Parenthesis

Semi-Colon 1). Two Independent Clauses with connective

meaning

Example: I went to the carnival with my grandmother; she was

the worst date ever!

Semi-Colon 2). Conjunctive Adverbs: however, moreover,

therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus

Example: I went to the carnival with my grandmother;

therefore, I had a terrible time.

Semi-Colon

3). Avoid Confusion: Sometimes sentences will have too many commas.

Example: We went to Chicago, Illinois; Austin, Texas; and San

Francisco, California for our road trip.

Practice – Place semi-colons where necessary. Explain why the sentence

needed one. I’m not a good man however, I’m not the worst either.

I was busy cleaning the house, inviting the guests, and cooking the meals, also, I was told to buy fruit, vegetables, and drinks.

The service learning project is almost finished what a nightmare!

On our road trip we travelled to Washington, D.C., Maryland, Boston, Massachusetts, and Springfield, Illinois.

The mock trial was very interesting to watch expressive personalities that I never knew of my students came out.

Colon 1). Presenting a List of Items:

Example: You need to bring three things to the campsite: clothing, a sleeping bag, and a toothbrush.

Colon 2). When you’re elaborating on something stated

before the colon

Example: I believe in two things: the power of nature and the

unpredictability of man.

Colon 3). When you’re introducing a quotation after an

independent clause

Example: I try to live by a quote from Gone With the Wind:

“After all, tomorrow is another day!”

Parenthesis Use Parenthesis to Enclose Supplemental

Information, e.g. asides, tangents, afterthoughts.

Example: For the last five years (some say longer), the house

on the hill has been haunted.