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HANDBOOK OF GRAMMAR,
MECHANICS, AND STYLE

Commas, Semicolons,
and Colons

Coconut in sand.

THINKING CRITICALLY
Punctuation is essential to imparting meaning. A well used comma,
semicolon, or colon can be as dramatic as this image of a coconut in the
sand. What do you think it would be like to read a paragraph with no
punctuation marks? Why?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

557
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558 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

COMMAS
Commas (,) are the most common form of punctuation. They serve several
functions in writing and help your readers understand your ideas and sen-
tences. Commas clarify, make distinctions, or create the pauses needed to let
your readers follow your sentences and ideas.

Five Comma Rules

There are five basic rules of comma use, and if you keep them in mind, the
mystery of comma usage will be solved. Try not to use the “comma by
instinct” approach: There really are consistent rules for comma use.
When you are editing your writing, check to see if the commas you have
used fall into one of these categories, and if they do not, then remember the
old comma saying: “When in doubt, leave it out.” A comma where it
doesn’t belong usually causes more problems than leaving it out does.

Rule 1
Use a comma in front of a coordinating conjunction in order to combine
two independent clauses to create a compound sentence.

Independent clause + , + FANBOYS + independent clause

▼
(Coordinating conjunctions)

Here are the seven coordinating conjunctions: For And Nor But Or Yet So.
Remember the mnemonic device (memory trick) of FANBOYS to recall
them. They are the only seven words in English that can be used after a
comma to combine two independent clauses (use any other word and you
have a comma splice).
College students often work while in school, and it makes their lives
very busy.
Many of them would like to attend classes without having to work, but
college costs are just too high.
Tip: The comma comes before the coordinating conjunction. Also, be
careful not to put a comma in automatically as soon as you see one of
the FANBOYS. These words need to have an independent clause
(with a subject and a verb) on both sides in order to use the comma.
Otherwise, they are part of a compound subject or compound predicate,
and you don’t use a comma:
Abdul goes to school full time and works 20 hours a week.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 559

There is only one subject in this sentence: Abdul. There are two
verbs that both relate to the subject Abdul: goes and works. The word
and links two parts of a compound predicate, and no comma is
needed.

Rule 2
Use a comma to separate the items in a series (a list of three or more
items) or a list of coordinate adjectives.
1. Using commas with items in a list. Commas help separate distinct
items within a list of items:
Item + , item + , item + , and item
Marcus took several courses, including math, English, history, and
sociology.
Placing the last comma before the “and” is one of the comma rules cur-
rently in debate. Some people argue that a comma replaces the word
“and” so the last comma before an item in a series isn’t necessary. How-
ever, there are cases when a reader could get confused by the lack of a
comma before the last item in the series, so it’s usually a good idea to put
it in. Consistency and clarity are the rules of thumb. For example:
Levi brought a variety of sandwiches to the picnic, including peanut
butter and jelly, bologna, ham, and cheese.
Without the comma, the reader might think “ham and cheese” is one
sandwich type instead of two separate ones.

2. Coordinate adjectives versus cumulative or compound adjectives

• Coordinate adjectives: If you have two or more adjectives listed be-
fore a noun that indicate separate qualities, then use a comma be-
tween them. In other words, you are listing the separate qualities:
Katharine is a loyal, affectionate, forgiving friend.
Tip: If you can change the order of the adjectives and replace the
commas with the word and, then you are dealing with coordinate
adjectives:
Katharine is an affectionate and forgiving and loyal friend.

• Cumulative adjectives: If the adjectives are working together in

order to describe something or modify each other in stages, then do
not use commas:
Marcia brought over a sweet apple pie for dessert.
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560 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

Tip: If you cannot add the word and between the adjectives or re-
verse the order of the adjectives without changing the meaning of
the sentence, do not use a comma. For example, no comma should
come between “sweet” and “apple” because they are cumulative
adjectives:
Marcia brought over a sweet and apple pie.
Marcia brought over a apple sweet pie.
The order can’t be changed: They work together to describe the pie.
The ancient Chinese tradition of serving tea at social events is
still evident in America today.
Again, you wouldn’t want to change the order of “ancient” and
“Chinese” in this sentence.
Tip: Cumulative adjectives should sound right in the particular
order they are in—they are not interchangeable. You wouldn’t say
“apple sweet pie” or “Chinese ancient tradition.”
• Compound adjectives: If two adjectives are used together to make
one descriptor, then they become a compound adjective, and you
should use a hyphen between them instead of a comma.
Coordinate adjectives: The blue, green, and gray house sits at the
top of the hill. [Three separate qualities/colors: Use commas.]
Compound adjective: The blue-green and gray house sits on the
top of the hill. [Blue-green is one color: Use a hyphen, not a comma.]
Coordinate adjectives: The fat, furry cat ran slowly. [Two separate
qualities: Use a comma.]
Compound adjective: The fat-faced cat ran slowly. [One quality:
Use a hyphen.]
Rule 3
Use a comma after introductory material (an introductory dependent
clause, an introductory prepositional or participial phrase, or just a word
for emphasis or transition).
Dependent clause
Introductory phrase + , + independent clause
Introductory word
A comma sets off the introductory word, phrase, or clause from the main
sentence. To find introductory material, look for the main subject and verb
and see if anything comes before them.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 561

1. Introductory dependent clause Cross Reference

See p. 527 for more about
Use a comma between the end of an introductory dependent clause and
subordinating words.
the independent clause that follows it. A dependent clause has a subor-
dinating word in the front of it such as because, since, when, and if.
Since Jeb is allergic to shellfish, I won’t serve shrimp cocktail at the party.
However, if a dependent clause comes after an independent clause,
then do not use a comma:
I won’t serve shrimp cocktail at the party since Jeb is allergic to
shellfish.
2. Introductory prepositional phrase
Use a comma after a prepositional phrase that comes before the inde- Cross Reference
pendent clause. A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition such See p. 520 for more about
as on, in, after, and so on: prepositions.

On every other weekend, I visit my brother Nick.

However, if a prepositional phrase comes after the independent clause,
then do not use a comma:
I visit my brother Nick on every other weekend.
3. Introductory participial phrase
Use a comma after a participial phrase that comes before an independ-
ent clause. A participial phrase begins with a word ending in -ing:
Thinking she was late, Di drove too quickly to work.
4. Word for emphasis or transition
Use a comma after a transitional or emphatic word used in front of
your independent clause:
However, I try to visit my mom and dad every weekend.
5. Direct address
Use a comma when you directly address someone by name or title:
Darci, do you visit your parents regularly?
Tip: You still need a comma if the direct address comes at the end
of the sentence, or two commas around the person’s name or title if
it comes in the middle of your independent clause:
Do you visit your parents regularly, Darci?
Will you, Mr. President, visit Portugal in the coming year?
Dear Kim, I’ve been thinking about you lately. [Also used in an in-
formal letter greeting]
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562 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

6. Yes and no statements

Use a comma after a yes or no answer that begins a sentence:
Yes, I do visit my parents regularly.
7. Tag lines for dialogue or quotations
Use a comma after a tag word or phrase that comes before a quotation
or dialogue in your sentence:
He said, “No, I will not be able to attend.”
William Shakespeare wrote, “Life is but a walking shadow . . .”
Note: Sometimes the comma can be omitted after introductory
material if there is a short adverb clause or phrase that causes no
danger of misreading.
In any case we weren’t confused.
However, it’s acceptable to use the comma there too.
In any case, we weren’t confused.
Rule 4
Use a comma to set off interrupters—words, phrases, or clauses that
“interrupt” a sentence between the beginning and the end of an independ-
ent clause (IC):
Beginning of IC + , + interrupter + , + end of IC
1. Dependent clause interrupter
Use commas to set off a dependent clause that interrupts an independ-
ent clause:
Thomas realized, after he took a good look at his things, that he had for-
gotten his backpack.
Tip: Imagine taking the middle clause out of the sentence, using
the two commas like two handles you can grab to remove it. The
sentence should still make sense without the clause you removed.
Thomas knew that he had forgotten his backpack.
2. Transitional words and phrases or parenthetical interrupters
Use commas to set off transitional words or parenthetical interruptors:
Levi told us, however, about the difference between fruit bats and
vampire bats.
Tip: You can also imagine these commas as handles you can use to
remove this transition and test to make sure your sentence still
makes sense.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 563

Levi told us about the difference between fruit bats and vampire bats.
Note: Use commas around parenthetical or side information in-
stead of using parentheses when the information is still fairly im-
portant and when you are using parenthetical citations in more
formal writing (see Chapter 19 for more on parenthetical
citations).
3. Appositive interrupters
Use commas to set off appositive interrupters (nouns or phrases that
rename or categorize nearby nouns):
Jaspar Wyman, a famous geologist, was eager to climb Mt. Rainier.
4. Nonrestrictive clauses
A nonrestrictive adjective clause starts with a relative pronoun (who,
whom, whose, or which) or with a relative adverb (where or when). The
information it conveys is not essential for identifying the subject of the
sentence. That is, it doesn’t restrict the noun.
Winston, who loves to collect rocks, headed straight for the
riverbed.
The “who” relative pronoun statement is nonrestrictive since you do
not need the information to identify the subject, Winston. It is extra,
nonrestrictive information.
Note: Restrictive clauses. When the information in the relative
pronoun or adverb statement is necessary in order to restrict or iden-
tify the noun/subject, then do not use commas:
The students who work hard in this class will receive a good grade.
The clause who work hard is necessary to identify which students
will get the good grades—it restricts the noun.
5. Tag lines that interrupt dialogue or quotations
Two commas are used to set off these tag lines because they appear in
the middle of the sentence.
“It’s too bad,” he said, “that I will not be able to attend.”
Tip: You even need a comma if the tag comes at the end:
“It’s too bad that I will not be able to attend,” he said.
Note: Notice the comma comes inside the quotation marks in both
cases. Do not use quotation marks or a comma with an indirect
quotation:
Neal said that he would not be able to attend either.
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564 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

Rule 5
Use commas according to conventions for dates, times, titles, and so on,
and to avoid confusion. Here are some examples of commas used to indi-
cate time, place, and title:
1. Dates:
Charlie was born May 21, 1972.
Geoffrey was born on January 6, 1981, in Gainesville, Florida.
[Notice the comma is required after the year, as well, if more infor-
mation follows, as in this example.]
2. Addresses/locations:
Samuel grew up in Berkeley, California.
She was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1855.
[Notice the required comma after Ohio.]
3. Numbers:
Jerith has collected more than 50,000 trading cards in his lifetime.
4. Formal titles:
Josie McQuail, PhD., will be visiting our college next month.
Use commas to prevent confusion and to distinguish between repeated
words or phrases:
Those students who can speak, speak frequently in class.
What we were afraid would disappear, disappeared.

When Not to Use a Comma

• Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb.
• Do not use a comma to separate verbs that share the same subject.
• Do not automatically put a comma before every and or but. Check to be
sure that they have a subject and verb on both sides (in other words, that
they link two independent clauses).
• Do not put a comma between the verb and the direct object.
• Do not put a comma before a dependent clause that follows an indepen-
dent clause (unless the comma is necessary for reading clarity).
• Do not put a comma after especially or such as.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 565

25-1 Practice Spotting Misused Commas

Directions: Delete the misused or unnecessary commas in the following
sentences.
1. Springtime in the Northwest,/ brings a lot of amazing spring flowers.
2. The crocuses are the first to pop from the ground,/ and then the
daffodils.
3. The tulips grow,/ out of the ground in March.
4. Other flowers are common in the spring,/ such as,/ narcissus, lilacs,
and lilies.
5. The Northwest is beautiful in the spring,/ because of all the beautiful,/
and colorful flowers.

25-2 Adding Commas and Their Rules

Directions: Each of the ten sentences below needs one or more commas. Place
the commas where they belong in the sentence. Then write the number of the rule
that applies for each added comma or commas.

1. The Space Needle in Seattle,Washington, is a famous landmark and

tourist attraction.
Rule(s) ____________
5

2. The Space Needle was built in 1961, and it was designed by Edward
Carlson for the 1962 World’s Fair.
Rule(s) ____________
1

3. The Space Needle has a 120-foot concrete foundation, massive steel

beams ,and a flying saucer-shaped structure on top.
Rule(s) ____________
2

4. The Space Needle ,designed to withstand a strong earthquake,

has a reinforced foundation that is as heavy as the structure
itself.
Rule(s) ____________
4
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566 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

Space Needle, Seattle, Washington. Douglas Cole, 2007.

5. When the 1962 World’s Fair was held in Seattle , the Space Needle
was opened to the public.
Rule(s) ____________
3

6. There are three levels to the Space Needle, including the

Pavilion Level ,the Restaurant Level, and the Observation
Deck.
Rule(s) ____________
2

7. Knowing that Seattle can be a windy city, the engineers designed

the Space Needle to withstand a wind velocity of 200 miles per
hour.
Rule(s) ____________
3

8. The Space Needle is 605 feet tall, so its presence in the Seattle
skyline is unmistakable.
Rule(s) ____________
1
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 567

9. The grounds of the Space Needle include green areas for gathering, a
valet or drop-off area ,and a gateway to the Seattle Center
Amusement Park.
Rule(s) ____________
2

10. The Legacy Light, a light that shines skyward from the top of the
Space Needle ,was first illuminated on New Year’s Eve 1999 as a
celebration of the new millennium.
Rule(s) _________
4

25-3 Add, Delete, and Move Commas, Part I

Directions: Add, delete, and move commas as necessary in each sentence.
Then, in the space provided, explain the reason and/or the comma rule involved in
your decision.

1. We knew that Charlie would be late,/ and that he would have an

excuse.
Reason for change: _________________________________________________________
Not rule 1; second clause is dependent

2. Chica always got her food last ,and,/ she wanted it that way.
Rule 1, comma should come before the coordinating
Reason for change: _________________________________________________________
conjunction
3. In the third week of class, Julio decided to change his major.
Reason for change: Rule
_________________________________________________________
3

4. Sylvia ,on the other hand , knew what she wanted to do and stuck
with it.
Reason for change: _________________________________________________________
Rule 4

5. Matthew said ,“I don’t care either way.”

Reason for change: _________________________________________________________
Rule 3, tag

6. Jerith ,even though he did care, said that it didn’t matter to him.
Reason for change: _________________________________________________________
Rule 4

7. We knew that all of us would need pencils, paper, and a notebook.

Reason for change: _________________________________________________________
Rule 2

8. Katrina wanted to get a cup of coffee ,but she was afraid to miss her bus.
Reason for change: Rule
_________________________________________________________
1
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568 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

9. Jen , who never drinks plain coffee ,ordered a vanilla latte.

Reason for change: _________________________________________________________
Rule 4

10. Christopher said,/ that it is not a good idea to drink coffee after dinner.
Reason for change: ________________________________________
Rules 3 and 4, not a direct quotation

purpose ideas support assumptions conclusions point analysis

biases of view

When you are constructing sentences and making choices about using commas, ask yourself the
following questions:

• What is my purpose for this particular sentence, and how can I best construct my sentence
and use commas to achieve my purpose?
• How can punctuation make my meaning clearer?

Then break down the particular parts of the sentence, using your analysis skills to make sure
that you have constructed the sentence correctly and used comma(s) correctly.

SEMICOLONS AND COLONS

The Semicolon
The semicolon (;) is one of the most abused, misused, and neglected punc-
tuation marks in English. However, when used correctly (and not too often),
it is also one of the most specific and powerful punctuation marks.
There are only two rules for using the semicolon.

Rule 1
Use a semicolon between two independent clauses when the second one
has a strong connection to the first one, and they are equally important.
Choose a semicolon over a period or over a comma and a coordinating
conjunction when you want to emphasize to your reader the connection
between the two independent clauses.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 569

Independent clause + ; + independent clause

Julie loves to shop; she hits the department stores at least once
(subj)(verb) (subj) (verb)
a week.
Both of these clauses are complete sentences with a subject and verb;
however, the semicolon emphasizes their connection more than a
period or coordinating conjunction would. Here is another example:
We love to take exotic family vacations; last year, we went to
Hawaii, and the year before that, we went to Tahiti.
Often, students add commas to sentences like these because they don’t
want the hard stop of a period, creating a comma splice. They either Cross Reference
need to add a coordinating conjunction or in cases where the second See p. 550 for more about
independent clause connects directly to the first, use a semicolon. comma splices.
Often, semicolons are followed by either a transitional expression
or word (see p. 118 for a list of common transitional words or expres-
sions) or a conjunctive adverb, followed by a comma.
We love to eat apples; however, we prefer pears when they are in
season.

Conjunctive adverbs often used after a semicolon

(and followed by a comma)
however therefore furthermore moreover consequently
also finally certainly next then
besides conversely likewise subsequently similarly
otherwise indeed meanwhile thus specifically

Tip: The semicolon should be used sparingly for maximum effect. It

is a gem, so use it when it is the perfect punctuation mark, not
when a period would do.

Rule 2
Use a semicolon to separate complex items in a series. That is, when
items already have commas in them, use semicolons to separate the items:

Item 1, with internal punctuation ; item 2, with internal

punctuation ; and item 3, with internal punctuation.
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570 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

Remember Rule 2 for commas, separating items in a series (see

p. 559)? This semicolon rule is very similar except that you use semi-
colons when the items you are listing have subcomponents separated
by commas:
Last year, Dolly went to Honolulu, Hawaii; Mallorca, Spain; Puerto
Vallarta, Mexico; Florence, Italy; and Tacoma, Washington.
If only commas had been used, a reader might become confused and
think Dolly had visited ten places instead of five.
Tip 1: Notice that you include a semicolon before the “and” that
comes before the final item listed.
Tip 2: If there were just a list of the cities, you would use only com-
mas: Honolulu, Mallorca, Puerto Vallarta, Florence, and Tacoma.
Here’s another example:
I like lots of musical groups such as The Beatles, a classic rock group;
OutKast, a hip hop group; The Dixie Chicks, a country and west-
ern group; and The Dave Brubeck Quartet, a jazz group.

When Not to Use a Semicolon

• Do not use a semicolon after the phrases especially or such as.
• Do not use a semicolon after a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
• Do not use a semicolon before the words because or since if they are
beginning a dependent clause at the end of a sentence.
• Do not use a semicolon before a list of words or items after an independ-
ent clause (use a colon).

25-4 Semicolon Practice

Directions: Add semicolons where they belong in the following sentences.
1. We knew that it was early; we decided to head out anyway.
2. Several faculty members attended the meeting, including Sandy
Johanson, Professor of Philosophy; Jennifer Hoene, Professor of
English; Frank Wilson, Professor of Mathematics; and Gary Oliviera,
Professor of Art.
3. I love scary movies; watching them late at night is the best.
4. My sister knew it was a lost cause; she decided to let her son go to the
movies.
5. The realization was a strong one ;she had it while she was dreaming.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 571

25-5 Add or Delete Semicolons

Directions: Add or delete semicolons or change a semicolon to a comma if
needed in the following sentences.

1. The marriage was beautiful; the ceremony went perfectly.

2. The bride cried during the ceremony;/ because she was so happy.

3. The cake was delicious;/ ,and the music was lovely.

4. The DJ played “Lady,” by the Commodores; “I Just Called to Say I

Love You,” by Stevie Wonder; and “Time of Your Life,” by Green Day.

5. There was other music for dancing too;/ such as “Hey Ya,” by
OutKast.

purpose ideas support assumptions conclusions point analysis

biases of view

When you are constructing sentences and making choices about using semicolons, ask yourself
the following critical thinking questions:

• What is my purpose for this particular sentence, and how can I best construct my sentence
and use a semicolon to achieve my purpose?
• Will a semicolon make my meaning clearer and add emphasis to a cause and effect relation-
ship between two clauses?

Then break down the particular parts of the sentence using your analysis skills to make sure
that you have constructed the sentence correctly and used a semicolon correctly.

The Colon
There are several rules for using a colon (:), but it basically indicates that a
list or explanation is to follow.
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572 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

Rule 1
Use a colon between two independent clauses when the second clause
explains, summarizes, or answers the first one:
Barry wanted only one thing from life: he wanted to make lots
(subj) (verb) (subj) (verb)
of money.
Both clauses are complete sentences. The second clause explains the
first one. It’s true that a period or a comma followed by a coordinating
conjunction would work here, and even a semicolon would work
between these two clauses. However, the colon is the best choice
because it is the most specific and exact form of punctuation in this
case and helps the reader see the answer-explanation relationship
between the two clauses. Here’s another example:

Erin knew there were two options left for her: She could finish
school, or she could join the army.
Note: When a colon separates two independent clauses, the second
independent clause usually begins with a capital or lowercase letter
(He wanted . . .).

Rule 2
Use a colon after an independent clause that is followed by a word or
phrase that answers or explains the idea set up in the independent clause.

Barry wanted only one thing from life: to make lots of money.
[Colon followed by a phrase]
Barry wanted only one thing from life: lots of money.
[Colon followed by a phrase]
Barry wanted only one thing from life: money.
[Colon followed by a single word]
Two options were left for her: finishing school or joining the army.
[Colon followed by a phrase]
Tip: An independent clause must come before the colon.
Correct: The test was assessing two things: the students’ under-
standing of the reading and their use of examples.
Incorrect: Assessing two things: the students’ understanding of the
reading and their use of examples.

Rule 3
Use a colon after an independent clause that introduces a list of items.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 573

Vik and Seema bought several household items at the street fair:
art, rugs, dishes, and linens.
To get good grades you will have to focus on the following tips: get-
ting enough sleep, reading all homework assignments, finishing home-
work tasks on time, and doing professional work in and out of class.
Tip 1: Be sure that the clause that comes before the colon and the
list is independent. It should have both a subject and a verb and not
be introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
To learn karate, you will need: discipline, time, patience, and a
sensei. [Incorrect use of the colon—delete it]
Tip 2: Don’t use a colon after words and phrases such as for exam-
ple, such as, and including. Think of these words as replacements for
a colon; they serve the same function.
Examples: Many birds frequented Jen’s feeder such as: finches, chick-
adees, sparrows, and starlings. [Incorrect use of the colon—delete it]
Rule 4
Use a colon before a quotation if an independent clause is used to set up
the quotation:
Richard Bach wrote the following words of wisdom in Illusions: “Dis-
appointment requires adequate planning.”
Miscellaneous Uses
There are several miscellaneous uses for colons.
• In greetings:
To the Director of Personnel:
Dear Mr. Sanders:
• To show hours and minutes:
3:24 PM
• In titles and subtitles:
Changing Economics: A Study of Spending in Our Current Times
• To show ratios:
The odds were 3:1 against him.
Cross References
• In bibliography or works cited formats:
See Chapter 19 for
Boston: Bedford, 2004. documenting sources.
When Not to Use a Colon
• Do not use a colon after especially, such as, consisted of, including, and other
words or phrases that indicate a list will follow.
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574 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

• Do not use a colon after a verb that sets up a list of objects.

• Do not use a colon between book and verse or act and scene (in MLA
style). Use periods instead:
Correct: Bible: John 2.5 Plays: Romeo and Juliet, 1.3 (or [Link])
Incorrect: Bible: John 2:5 Plays: Romeo and Juliet, 1:3 (or I:III)

25-6 Colon Practice

Directions: Add colons where they belong in the following sentences.
1. There was one obvious reason for the fire: The faulty wiring started a
spark on the old wood walls.

2. The name of the textbook was Fundamentals of Math: An Introduction

to College Mathematics.

3. The following cars are the most popular: Hondas, Toyotas, and
Fords.

4. Marcia and Hugh have two lovely daughters :They are Page and Eliza.

5. He had two things he wanted to say: He loved her, and he wanted to

marry her.

25-7 Add or Delete Colons

Directions: Add or delete colons where needed in the following sentences.

1. Isabelle likes:/ eating macaroons, playing on the beach, and swimming

in the pool.

2. She wanted one thing from this vacation: to get lots of rest.

3. There are several activities to do on the beach such as:/ swim,

snorkel, build sandcastles, or read a book.

4. She was told to order the book titled Geography: An Introduction to the
Field in the school bookstore.

5. To get ready for the camping trip, she needed to buy the following
items: coffee, beans, candles, matches, bottled water, and granola.

25-8 Semicolon and Colon Practice

Directions: Add colons or semicolons to the following sentences when needed.
Choose the best, most specific choice for each.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 575

1. The coach told the players to do one thing: to have fun while playing.

2. The game is always exciting; it is most exciting when the crowd gets
involved.

3. The kids came up with cool superhero names and matching titles
including Marvoman, Defender of the Universe; BrilliaWoman,
Protector of the World; AquaGoddess, Matron of the Sea; and
TerraMan, Keeper of the Earth.
: in the afternoon, we decided to hit the road.
4. At 330

5. I like to swim; he prefers to jog.

6. I know the key ingredient to delicious curries :high-quality and fresh

cumin.

7. If the odds were only 21,

: then we might have had a chance of
winning.

8. Red wine goes well with red meats and red or hearty sauces; white
wine is better for chicken, fish, and delicate sauces.

9. The essay was titled “Nonsensical: A Study of Unusual Lyrics.”

10. That outfit is unusual; the one she wore last week was even more so.

25-9 Comma, Semicolon, and Colon Practice

Directions: Commas, semicolons, and colons are three punctuation marks that
are often incorrectly interchanged. Choose the best punctuation mark listed below
to complete each of the blanks in the following passage. Be sure to review the rules
if you get stumped.
, (Comma) ; (Semicolon) : (Colon)

The Thomas Jefferson Building ______, one of the three buildings that
make up the Library of Congress ______ , is one of the loveliest buildings
;
on Capitol Hill ______ its architecture and the art within its walls help
contribute to the beauty of this magnificent building.
, the Library of Congress is mostly famous for one
Of course ______
thing ______
: its incredible collection of books. However ______ , visitors
should not underestimate this building’s other charms ______ ; it’s full of
surprises. The Library of Congress acquires more than 10 ______ , 000
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576 PART VII Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style

Library of Congress, Jefferson Building.

new items per working day ______ ; that’s an incredible number at the
,
end of each year. Actually ______ as mentioned previously ______, there
:
are three buildings that make up the Library of Congress ______ the
,
Thomas Jefferson Building ______ named after Thomas Jefferson ______ ;
The Adams Building ______, named after John Adams ______ ; and the
,
Madison Building ______ named after James Madison.
, all
Though all three of these buildings are visually distinct ______
of them have the same primary purpose ______ : to house books ______ ,
,
films ______ , and other forms of information for the United
maps ______
States.
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CHAPTER 25 Commas, Semicolons, and Colons 577

purpose ideas support assumptions conclusions point analysis

biases of view

When you are constructing sentences and making choices about using colons, ask yourself the
following critical thinking questions:
• What is my purpose for this particular sentence, and how can I best construct my sentence
and use a colon to achieve my purpose?
• Am I using a colon to list individual items after a clause or between two clauses where the
second answers the first?
Then, break down the particular parts of the sentence using your analysis skills to make sure
that you have constructed the sentence correctly and used a colon correctly.