The Writing Center | Commas, Semicolons, And Colons | Guides

You can use a colon, a comma, or nothing before a quotation. Use a colon after an introduction that is an independent clause or if the quotation is at least In more formal writing, however, punctuation is expected after an introduction for a quotation. The rules are quite lax. Below is some general...Use a comma after an introductory phrase, prepositional phrase, or dependent clause. To get a good grade, you must complete all your assignments. Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis.Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. See examples of each in sentences. Colons can be used to set off a list. In this instance, think of colons as saying, "Here's what I mean." What's about to come after the colon is meant to further illustrate whatever was mentioned before the colon.Only use commas, semicolons, colons, or dashes if you identify a situation that requires them. Only a comma can come after an introductory phrase or clause that isn't a complete thought. Colons can connect two independent clauses, but they're usually used to introduce lists and...Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated. The first part is not an independent clause, so no semicolon is required.

Punctuation Overview // Purdue Writing Lab | Colon

The semicolon is used to separate independent clauses in specific situations. It also separates a series of items which contain internal punctuation. When a transitional expression appears between independent clauses, the transition is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma.Answer:C. CommaExplanation:A comma is required to set apart an introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence. This comma is sometimes optional if the introductory phrase is less than four words long. Some examples of introductory phrases include "before the movie starts" and "while...Colon vs. semicolon: What's the difference? Whereas the semicolon has a comma on the bottom, the colon has two vertically aligned dots, and is most commonly used to introduce a list. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *.a) semicolon.

Examples of Colons and Semicolons in Sentences

Use commas to set apart degrees or titles used with names. Derek Johnson, M.D., is the cousin of Joe Flacco, Jr. Use commas to set off words that Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. Use a comma after an introductory phrase. Barking insistently, Fido got us to throw the ball for him.The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation.Semicolons and commas are used to link two sentences or independent clauses. An independent clause must contain a subject and a verb. These sentences contain two independent clauses without coordinating conjunctions; thus, you need to use a semicolon and not a comma.Punctuating with semicolons and colons. The semicolon and colon look similar; however, they have very different functions for punctuating sentences. : GRAMMAR CHECKERS will NOT help you much with your semicolons and colons. It will NOT let you know if a colon is needed at all.The colon ( : ) and semicolon ( ; ) are frequently used incorrectly in place of each other. The two punctuation marks serve very different purposes, and A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word...

Which Punctuation Mark Should I Use?

Knowing which punctuation to apply inside sentences will also be complicated. But regulations are necessary and made to be adopted, particularly in educational writing. Putting a comma between two unbiased clauses will confuse your readers and make your paintings irritating to learn. On the opposite hand, a well-placed semi-colon can upload nuance and subtlety to any roughly writing. Keep the next rules in mind when opting for to use a comma (,), colon (:), semicolon (;), or dash (—).

When to Use a Comma

Commas are probably the most often used (and abused) punctuation mark in most types of writing. The reason for this is that they have such a lot of uses and such a lot of rules—it can be laborious to stay monitor of all of them. Let's check out simply a number of the comma's an important functions and speak about when to make a choice a comma over every other equivalent punctuation mark.

To listing items or quick words:

I bought bread, cheese, and pickles at the grocery store.

To separate long independent clauses when conjunctions connect them:

Astronomers have recognized about the positions of stars for hundreds of years, however they didn't keep in mind that the earth revolves around the sun.

After an introductory phrase:

In preparation for the next convention, the representatives studied up on an important problems.

To separate a parenthetical phrase or interrupter:

All doctors, in the event that they care about their patients, are interested in just right place of business hygiene.

Common Comma Mistakes

Comma splice. Do NOT use a comma to divide two unbiased clauses with out a conjunction.

Incorrect: Thousands of protesters showed up on the streets, they were shouting and wearing huge posters.

Correct: Thousands of protesters confirmed up at the streets; they have been shouting and sporting massive posters.

Combining lengthy phrases. Using commas with compound sentences or to separate clauses with other commas could cause confusion. Use a semicolon.

Incorrect: Some helpful topics are English, which is an world language, math, which is used in all domain names of sciences and social sciences, and philosophy, which underpins many different areas of analysis.

Correct: Some helpful subjects are English, which is an international language; math, which is used in all sciences and social sciences; and philosophy, which underpins many different areas of study.

When to Use a Colon

A colon is used to make lists and inform the reader, "This is what I imply." The colon must not be used regularly in maximum types of writing unless there are extensive lists involved. The laws of the colon are strict but quite easy to keep in mind.

To introduce an merchandise or sequence of items:

Humans use 5 major senses: sight, listening to, scent, style, and contact.

To separate independent clauses when the second clause/sentence illustrates, explains, paraphrases, or expands at the first:

Martha learned that her worst worry used to be coming true: her son was being despatched to struggle.

*The data after the colon explains Martha's concern within the form of an impartial clause.

To practice the salutation in a industry letter or extra formal letter:

To the Central Valley Committee Chairman:

More Tips For Using Colons

Do not capitalize the first word after the colon except it is a right kind noun, is part of a quote, or is the primary in a series of sentences:

Incorrect: I've three desires: To consume, sleep, and paintings.

Correct: I have three desires: to eat, sleep, and paintings.

When a citation accommodates a couple of sentences, many writers prefer to introduce it with a colon rather than a comma:

In Chapter 3, the author explains his principle: "Dogs have goals, however they don't dream as people do. Their goals reflect a primal desire for pleasure, whereas humans are preoccupied with the ego and self-image. This is equally true in wakefulness and sleep."

A whole sentence after the colon is no longer vital—a word or phrase is effective.

There is one mantra that may sum up our position against local weather alternate: pressing action.

Common Colon Mistakes

Separating two clauses that have equivalent rank or unrelated information:

Incorrect: Sarah and her buddies liked spending time at the mountain: nature all the time held a unique meaning for them.

Correct: Sarah and her buddies loved spending time on the mountain; nature always held a distinct which means for them.

(*Use a length if the clauses are not in any respect related. Use a semi-colon if the ideas in the second clause is relatively related however does not illustrate, provide an explanation for, or paraphrase the primary clause.)

Overusing the colon:

The colon is a formidable punctuation mark and should be used sparingly. Think of it as a stop signal that calls readers' consideration and says, "Hey! Pay consideration to this. This is important." If there are too many stop indicators on a side road, you gained't be able to force very smoothly or temporarily. This is the similar effect colons can have upon readers.

Because colons are so eye-catching, they may be able to clearly point out which information is vital. For this reason why, many authors use colons to introduce their primary argument or supporting proof.

When to Use a Semicolon

A semicolon is used to separate two ideas (two unbiased clauses) which might be intently comparable. They may also be used when record complex concepts or phrases that use commas within them.  Essentially, a semicolon is like a comma with extra meaning or a colon with extra flexibility.

To sign up for two or more concepts (portions) in a sentence when their concepts are given equivalent place or rank:

The universe has always referred to as to human beings; there could be no more final frontier than house.

To join two independent clauses hooked up by way of conjunctive adverbs or transitional words:

Sam thought David was once inviting him to the picnic to experience a pleasing time out; as it became out, David was making plans a surprise party.

To provide pieces in a listing or series if there are commas throughout the items, or if the pieces are rather long and complicated:

Our members of the family came the entire approach from Denver, Colorado; Rochester, Minnesota; and even Paris, France.

To connect impartial clauses joined via a coordinating conjunction (if the clauses are already punctuated with commas) or if they're long.

My major research function is to isolate the reason for the disease, in addition to to contribute to the present literature; for this may increasingly carry an finish to hunger across the continent, create new find out about designs comparable to epidemiology, and change the very paradigm of my research box.

Using a Semicolon Instead of a Comma

Incorrect: The specimens have been handled properly, alternatively, they were not stored properly.

Correct: The specimens had been treated properly; then again, they were not stored properly.

*The conjunctive adverb "then again" shows a connection between the 2 unbiased clauses; don't use a comma to connect two unbiased clauses without a coordinating conjunction (and, however, or, nor, and many others.).

Incorrect: The sun is wonderful: it produces mild, which crops want to live on, it gives us heat, which is useful for most lifestyles, and it makes a sad day happier, which is clearly a favorable trait!

Correct: The solar is glorious: it produces gentle, which crops need to continue to exist; it gives us warmth, which is useful for many lifestyles; and it makes a sad day happier, which is clearly a positive trait!

*Using best commas, it is unclear what pieces are being indexed exactly. Semicolons assist divide listed items that every comprise commas.

When to Use a Dash (or Dashes)

The dash (or, extra in particular, the "em dash") is most likely the most versatile of the punctuation marks. However, just like the semicolon, it is underutilized in maximum types of writing. It can function like a comma, parentheses, or colon, however creating subtly other results in each case.

Use Dashes in Place of a Comma

Em dashes can be utilized in pairs to change commas when writing a parenthetical or interruptive phrase. The dashes have a somewhat more emphatic feel, making the reader focal point on this information that is set throughout the special marks.

Parenthetical phrase with commas:

And so, when the newborn was born in June, just about two months untimely, the parents had been glad however slightly frightened, and so they still had to buy all the baby supplies.

Parenthetical phrase with dashes:

And so, when the child was once born in June—just about two months untimely—the fogeys were glad but rather apprehensive, and they nonetheless had to buy all of the child supplies.

(*The dashes put emphasis on the fact that the child was premature, showing that it is an vital element in this sentence.)

Use Dashes in Place of Parentheses

Put a pair of dashes in the similar place that you'd put parentheses. Since they're less formal, fewer dashes than parentheses are present in academic writing. However, they do purpose extra of an obvious interruption and due to this fact extra emphasis. They will also be used as a form of "meta" parentheses when the content between the dashes already incorporates parentheses.

When dashes exchange parentheses, the surrounded punctuation is ignored:

Parentheses: After taking all of his ultimate tests (including seven essays and three more than one choice checks), David just sought after to sleep.

Dashes: After taking all of his final tests—including seven essays and three multiple selection assessments—David simply sought after to sleep.

*The dashes are extra visual and subsequently interrupt the waft of the sentence slightly more and draw attention to the content material.

When used instead of parentheses on the finish of a sentence, just a unmarried dash is used:

Parentheses: That espresso shop gives a collection of exotic connoisseur espresso (or a minimum of that is how they describe it).

Single sprint: That espresso shop offers a selection of exotic gourmand coffee—or no less than that is how they describe it.

*The sprint seems to paintings particularly effectively when positioned at the end of a sentence—it extends the sentence like an addendum.

Use a Dash in Place of a Colon

Use an em sprint as a substitute of a colon when you wish to have to emphasize the realization of your sentence without giving it the entire connotations that a colon brings. A dash can add "extra" knowledge and is more flexible in this means. It is also much less formal than a colon.

Colon: The executives in any case decided what they'd do with the corporate: promote it at a loss.

Single Dash: The executives in the end decided what they might do with the company—promote it at a loss.

Colon: Let's cross where we went remaining yr: Disneyland!

Single Dash: Let's pass the place we went remaining year—Disneyland!

*Using the dash in this way conveys a sense of anticipation (or of inevitability) and can add an nearly editorial really feel to the writing.

Choose Punctuation with Context and Audience in Mind

As with any technical selections relating to writing, when opting for which punctuation marks to use and follow consistently, it is a good idea to consider your audience and the context of your work. For example, researchers taking a look to submit in journals should learn articles from the journals they're focused on to see which punctuation marks are used by maximum authors in that magazine. The identical rule applies to any newspaper, magazine, or periodical for which your writing is meant.

Wordvice Resources

APA In-Text Citation Guide for Research Writing How to Write a Research Paper Introduction  Writing the Results Section of a Research Paper Which Verb Tenses to Use in a Research Paper How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper How to Write a Research Paper Title" Useful Phrases for Academic Writing Common Transition Terms in Academic Papers Active and Passive Voice in Research Papers 100+ Verbs That Will Make Your Research Writing Amazing Tips for Paraphrasing in Research Papers

Additional Resources

Rules for Comma Use (Grammarly) Using Commas, Colons, and Semicolons inside of Sentences (GrammarBook) Rules for Using Semicolons (University of Wisconsin Writing Center) How to Use the Em Dash (The Punctuation Guide)

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