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'Explain the functions of semicolons and colons to separate related ideas and use them correctly to do so.'

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Please keep in mind that this video is narrated by an Englishman; therefore, his pronunciation and some terminology are a bit different than we might be used to. Can you identify the phrase he uses to refer to the punctuation mark we use at the end of sentences?

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This song may help you remember when to use colons in your writing.

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Colon song from Grammaropolis - "The Colon: The Great Organizer”

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Many of you will be taking the ACT shortly. This video can help you practice answering questions that include colons, semicolons, and other punctuation marks.

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ACT Grammar: Colons and Dashes - Chegg Test Prep

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This video serves as a refresher to help you remember the differences between dependent and independent clauses. It's important to know the distinction between the two in order to decide on the correct punctuation marks to use.

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Dependent and independent clauses | Syntax | Khan Academy

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Interactive Lesson on Colons and Semicolons

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Interactive Lesson on Colons and Semicolons

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Punctuation: the colon, semicolon, and more | Grammar | Khan Academy

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Colons and semicolons are two valuable pieces of punctuation that separate sentence elements from each other. Learn more about how to use them here!

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Here is a chart that may help you understand the differences between colons and semicolons. 

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Colon

The colon is used chiefly to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation following an independent clause (complete sentence).

1. Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a list.
Example: I have a few favorite classes at LLCC: literature, psychology, and art.

2. Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a summary, restatement, or explanation of the ideas presented in the preceding independent clause.
Example: Sara studied hard for one purpose: to succeed in her college courses.

3. Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a  long, formal quotation.
Example: In his book Life Lines, Forrest Church maintain that people should cry more: " Life is difficult. Some people pretend that it is not, that we should be able to breeze through. Yet hardly a week passes in which most of us don't have something worth crying about."

4. Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a question.
Example: The primary question is this: Should we give up or keep working diligently toward our goal?

5. Use a colon to separate a title from its subtitle.
Example: Korea: A Country Divided

6. Use a colon after the salutation in a formal letter.
Example: To whom it may concern:

7. Use a colon to separate the hours and minutes when indicating time.
Example: 10:45

Semicolon

The semicolon indicates a stronger division than the comma. It's main use is to join two or more independent clauses (complete sentences), but it is also used in some cases to separate items in a list.

1. Use a semicolon to join independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, for, yet, nor, or).
Example: Some students do more than attend college; they have families and jobs that compete for their time as well.

2. Use a semicolon to join independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, etc.).
Example: I needed more time to study for my classes; therefore, I cut back on the hours I worked each week.

3. Use a semicolon to join independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if one or both independent clauses contain distracting commas.
Example: The Center for Academic Success offers peer tutoring for almost every subject; but if you need help with your writing, you should visit the Writing Center, conveniently located in the CAS.

4. Use a semicolon to separate list items when the individual items in the series contain commas.
Example: Jeff lived in Springfield, IL; Seattle, WA; and Orlando, FL.

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Colon The colon is used chiefly to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation following an independent clause (complete sentence).

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It's time to practice and quiz ourselves!

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Think you know when to use a colon in your writing? Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct.

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Think you know when to use a colon in your writing? Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct. Be the first to read new posts and updates about MLA style. The Source Sign-up - Style Center Footer Terms of Service ● © 2019 Modern Language Association of America

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Can you find the colons and semicolons in this short story by a famous science-fiction author? What purpose do these punctuation marks serve in each sentence?

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CommonLit | CommonLit Library | Browse Content by Theme, Grade Level and More

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View the CommonLit collection and filter by grade level, theme, genre, literacy device and common core standard.

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MLA Style Center, the only authorized Web site on MLA style, provides free resources on research, writing, and documentation.