This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. Semicolons

Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. For example, this summary could be written as "Colons can introduce many things: descriptors, quotes, lists, and more." What Is a Colon?

2024年12月5日 · Use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Example: I have a meeting; it starts at noon. Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs like however or therefore .

Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. For example, this summary could say "Semicolons are useful; they show that clauses are related in meaning." What Is a Semicolon? The semicolon is the colon's quirkier sibling.

Use a colon to show dialogue or emphasis in your writing. You may also use it to introduce lists, clarify titles, and separate two independent clauses in sentences. Imagine the colon as an arrow pointing to an essential detail in the sentence. Here are …

2019年5月30日 · A colon (:) can be used to introduce words, phrases, lists of items, explanations, and elaborations. It can also be used to introduce a quotation. In general, you can think of colons as saying “what comes next explains what came before.”

2023年3月3日 · In this article, you’ll learn how to appropriately use colons, commas, and semicolons when making lists. In short: Colons are sometimes used to introduce a list. Commas separate items in a simple list. Semicolons are used to separate items in a complex list.