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 Using semi-colons

A semi-colon looks like a full stop and a

comma put together.
It is stronger than a comma,
but not as final as a full stop.

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 Using semi-colons

Semi-colons are used to link sentences that are closely related.

For example:
The sea was silent and absolutely still; the pirate realised
that he had not seen its true beauty until now.

The semi-colon allows for a smooth transition between sentences.

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 Using semi-colons
You shouldn’t use a conjunction and a semi-colon to link two closely related sentences together.
The semi-colon should replace the conjunction.
The clauses on each side of the semi-colon should make sense by themselves.
Here are some examples of sentences which do this:

We made too many mistakes, and the opposition made none.

We made too many mistakes; the opposition made none.
Jerome wanted to call our new tortoise Peanut, but I hated the name.
Jerome wanted to call our new tortoise Peanut; I hated the name.

Now you try! Write 2 sentences and switch with a partner.

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 Using semi-colons
If the second sentence starts with a conjunctive adverb, you A conjunctive adverb is
an adverb that links to
need to add a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb.
the previous sentence.

For example:
The pirate liked sailing. Nevertheless, he was looking forward to dry land.

The pirate liked sailing; nevertheless, he was looking forward to dry land.

Examples of other conjunctive adverbs:

however, otherwise, therefore, moreover, nevertheless,
thus, besides, accordingly, consequently, instead, hence

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 Using a colon

A colon looks like two full stops.

They can only be used
at the end of an independent (main) clause.

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 Using a colon
Colons are used to expand a sentence.
They are used to introduce an explanation of the first clause.
The bits before and after the colon should always be a independent (main) clauses.

For example:

There was only one thing the pirate wanted to do now:

he would steal the treasure and run.

The flaw in the pirate’s plan was clear:

he had no bags to carry the treasure in.

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 Using a colon
Colons are also used to introduce a list.

For example:

There were a few reasons why the wolf did not make a convincing
Grandma: his eyes, his ears, his gruff voice and his sharp teeth.

Little Red Riding Hood carried a selection of provisions for Grandma:

a loaf of bread, some apples and a freshly-wrapped pat of butter.

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 Question 1
Now it’s time to practise your skills…
Colon or semi-colon?
A
✓ I love the sound of the chickens in the morning;
however, I hate being woken up by them.

B
I love the sound of the chickens in the morning:
however, I hate being woken up by them.

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 Question 2
Colon or semi-colon?

A
There are many beautiful things in Scotland;
lochs, forests and mountains.

✓
There are many beautiful things in Scotland:
lochs, forests and mountains.

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 Question 3
Colon or semi-colon?

A
The dragon couldn’t see the wizard;
he had turned himself invisible.

B
The dragon couldn’t see the wizard:
he had turned himself invisible. ✓
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 Question 4
Colon or semi-colon?

A
The fierce pirate took the map with her;
it was not very helpful. ✓
B
The fierce pirate took the map with her:
it was not very helpful.

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