HFCC Learning Lab Punctuation, 1.8. Colons and Semicolons

Transcription

1 HFCC Learning Lab Punctuation, 1.8 Explanation Colons and Semicolons One of the most important functions of the colon (:) and the semicolon (;) is just to link or connect sentences and word groups. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how the emphasis is distributed. 1. The Colon Signaling and List The colon indicates the emphasis is to be what follows it, and what follows can be a simple listing or an explanation. The colon acts as a sign, saying Look out! Here it comes! The colon signaling a list is the subject of exercises A, B, and C. General statement = list of words, phases, or sentences. These are the animals I like best: platypuses, cats, and chinchillas. A. Circle the letter of the sentence that uses the colon correctly. 1. a. The following students are to report to the Dean s office: Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr. b. The following students are to report to the Dean s office: I don t know why, but it must be important. 2. a. Here is a famous saying by Mark Twain: Man is the only animal that blushes or needs to. b. Here is a famous saying by Mark Twain: when you read it you will recognize it immediately. 3. a. There is only one thing I expect from my car: dependability. b. There is only one thing I expect from my car: and it is really not too much to ask. 4. a. She wanted several items from the store: eggs, butter, and cheese. b. She wanted several items from the store: when she comes back, she wants to go swimming.

2 B. Indicate Yes or No if the following sentences could be connected, perhaps with a little revision, by a colon. 1. Frank s dog had several admirable qualities. She was loyal, smart, and gentle. 2. Jane Stayed up all night cramming for the exam. Nevertheless, she failed it. 3. Bruno s wife always packed the same things in his lunchbox. For lunch Bruno always had a salami sandwich, a banana, and coffee. 4. Kelly s lobs on the final day of the tournament were superb. Kelly won the gold tournament quickly and easily. C. Circle the letter of the sentence that is grammatically correct. 1. a. The critics considered the movie to be: trivial, boring, and smutty. b. The critics characterized the movie this way: trivial, boring, and smutty. 2. a. He joined the Marines because: he liked the uniform, and he didn t want to be drafted into the Army. b. He joined the Marines because of two considerations: he liked the uniform, and he didn t want to be drafted into the Army The Colon Signaling an Explanation The colon is not only used to signal a simple listing of words, phrases, or sentences, but it is also used to indicate that an explanation of the sentence is to follow. Jeb is truly a fine student: he attends class regularly, and does well on tests. (the word fine is explained) Abraham Lincoln is known as the great emancipator: he signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing thousands from slavery. (The concept great emancipator is explained.) D. Rewrite the following sentences on a spate sheet of paper so that the word group following the colon explains the preceding sentence. 1. Tommy, who was five, wrote a letter to Santa Claus. He believed in the traditions of Christmas. 2. A brilliant characterization of Eleanor Roosevelt by Adlai Stevenson. She would rather light candles than curse the darkness.

3 3. Beauty contests no longer mean a pretty face and a shapely body. A combination of talent, intelligence, and poise are also key factors in deciding on winners. 4. Nick wanted a red convertible. He had but one thought in mind. 5. Carolyn went to college for just one reason. She wanted to study for a profession. The Semicolon The semicolon indicates that the emphasis is distributed between two (or more) complete sentences. It acts as a sign saying, These ideas are balanced or parallel and comprise a unit of thought. A bird does not fly because it has wings; it has wings because it flies. Note: In distributing the emphasis, the semicolon may be accompanied by a conjunctive adverb such as however or furthermore. Also, the function of the semicolon is to indicate a unit of thought which is smaller than the paragraph and larger than a single sentence. E. Circle the letter of the sentence that uses the semicolon correctly. 1. a. The team was consistent with these two things; weak hitting and poor fielding. b. The team was consistent in its weak hitting and poor fielding; consequently, it was firmly entrenched in last place. 2. a. You will like my cousin; she is very beautiful. b. There is one thing I like about my cousin; her loyalty. 3. a. Tim stayed all day painting in his studio; nevertheless, he didn t finish his portrait. b. Tim wanted to do these things in his studio; paint, sculpt, and carve. 4. a. Meatloaf is made with several items; ground beef, bread crumbs, and eggs. b. Meatloaf is made with ground beef and breadcrumbs; this dish is often served with ketchup. There are, of course, other types of construction in which the colon and semicolon are necessary or appropriate. Colon: In witting the time of day, as in 7:45pm.

4 Semicolon: In a series where there are commas within the items, as in, He had bank accounts in Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; and Cleveland, Ohio. F. Place the colons and semicolons correctly in each sentence. 1. First he rang the doorbell then he banged the windows. 2. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 3. John understands the word perseverance to stay with a project until it is completed. 4. I did not follow my budget this month consequently, I do not have enough money to cover my car insurance. 5. Maggie went to the mall to buy a few items a purse, some lotion, and a watch. 6. It is not enough for a student to develop only a strong mind he or she must also build a strong, healthy, body. 7. The minister s definition of Christianity was difficult to accept to love your neighbor as yourself. 8. A colon gives the following sign to the reader look ahead, here it comes. 9. There is only one flavor of ice cream I will eat strawberry. 10. I think Greece would be nice to visit during summer vacation Athens is very beautiful in June.

5 Answers A. 1. a B. 1. yes C. 1. b 2. a 2. no 2. b 3. a 3.yes 4. a 4.no D. Sentences will vary. The following are suggested possibilities. 1. Tommy, who was five, wrote a letter to Santa Clause: he sincerely believed the traditions of Christmas. 2. Adlai Stevenson brilliantly characterized Eleanor Roosevelt this way: She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness. 3. Beauty contests no longer mean a pretty face and shapely body: a combination of talent and intelligence are major factors as well. 4. Nick had one desire: a red convertible. 5. Carolyn went to college for just one reason: to study for a profession. E. 1. a 2. a 3.a 4.b F. 1. doorbell; then 2. you; reprove 3.perserverance; to 4. budget; consequently 5. items: a 6. mind; he 7. accept: to love 8. reader: look 9. eat: strawberry 10. vacation; Athens