Unit 3: Writing and Sentence Skills

Semi-Colons & Colons

Semicolons

Like commas, semicolons can seperate independent clauses where no conjunction is used.

Example : The question of who built the pyramids of Egypt has been an ongoing debate; scholars and Egyptologists continue to argue about the number and identity of the workers.

Colons

In standard written English, the colon is used only as a means of signaling that what follows is a list, definition, explanation, or restatement of what has gone before. A word or phrase such as like the following, as follows, namely or this is often used along with the colon to make it clear that a list, summary, or explanation is coming up.

Example : The rules are as follows: No running, horseplay, or splashing is permitted in the pool area.