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Set 4 - Lesson 18 ( Go to the Answer Key )
Lesson 18, Colons, Semi-colons, Quotation Marks: Rules and Examples for their Use
COLON: Colons are most commonly used to introduce a list, a series, numerical results, a passage extracted from another source, texts, and explanations that mean the same as the introductory words. A colon ( : ) is used after an introductory word, phrase or sentence but not when the series is the direct object of a verb or preposition or directly follows a form of the verb " to be ". Here are some right and some wrong examples:
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Special Case: In a formal tabulation (list), such as in an official Job Description or a Resume, you may use a colon after a form of the verb " to be." Example: The qualities of a good Boy Scout leader are: Patience Moral integrity Creativity |
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Use a colon to indicate clock time, unless the time is right on the hour. Example: 6 P.M. but 7:30 A.M. Use a colon between the name of a publisher and the city of publication in a Footnote. Example: John J. Skully, The Tomb Robbers, New York City: Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1913, p. 67 Use a colon in Bible references to separate the chapter from the verse. Example: Psalms 23:14
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SEMI-COLON: A semi-colon is a comma with a period sitting above its head - ; It is used to indicate a more serious pause than a simple comma. Within a sentence, one's voice usually lowers when it gets to a place where a semi-colon would be used, almost the same as with a period. |
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A semi-colon is used to
separate the two parts of a compound sentence if a comma and a
conjunction are not used. Example: The music was over, and the band went home. The music was over; the band went home. Jane couldn't finish the test; she wrote too slowly. |
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A semi-colon is used to
separate long, involved clauses. Example: Working in the computer industry today has its own problems and pitfalls; rapidly changing technology, international market changes and sticky drinks that spill on the keyboards. |
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A semi-colon is used to
separate clauses that are punctuated by commas. Example: Before you open that door, the one that leads to the basement, make sure your wooden stake is sharp; regretfully, you may have to use it. |
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Use semi-colons to separate
items in a list if the items are longer or contain commas. Example: The average long-distance truck driver travels with a 12 volt television set with a DVD player; a cooler with drinks, fresh fruit, lunch meat and refrigerated meals; a duffel bag stuffed with socks, underwear, several changes of work clothes and a pillow; blankets, sheets and a teddy bear. |
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Semi-colons are used before
a conjunctive adverb (accordingly, also, besides, consequently, furthermore,
however, indeed, likewise, moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, similarly, so,
still, therefore, thus) when these words are used to join two independent
clauses: sentences that could stand alone but are connected because their
meanings are closely related. Example: I had planned to visit my mother last week; however, a problem developed at work and I couldn't get away. You have made several good sales this month; therefore, I am going to ask you for a loan. |
Notes: Always place a semi-colon outside quotation marks. Never use a semi-colon before a parenthesis or an expression enclosed in parentheses.
QUOTATION MARKS:
Use quotation marks to enclose the exact words of a speaker or writer.
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Note: If the exact words
are written immediately after the name of the speaker, as in a
question and answer format, do not use quotation mark. Example:
Judge Judy: How much damage was done to your car? Plaintiff Jones: At least $1,800, Judge. Judge Judy: Were there any other losses from the accident? |
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When the material being quoted is longer than one paragraph, use Quotation Marks at the beginning of each paragraph, but only at the end of the last paragraph. Use Quotation Marks around a word or phrase that is accompanied by its definition.
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Use Quotation Marks around an unusual word or phrase or a special trade word the first time it is used.
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Use Quotation Marks to enclose the titles of:
articles - "Severe Weather Becoming More Common." | songs - "I Want to Hold Your Hand" |
paintings or sketches - "Mona Lisa" | brochures or pamphlets - "Install Your Own Drywall" |
chapters or parts of books - "Part 1 - The Early Days" | plays or motion pictures - "The House on Haunted Hill" |
poems - "Ode on a Grecian Urn" | operas - "Carmen" |
Use Single Quotation Marks to enclose a quotation within a quotation. Bert told his fellow workers, "Yesterday when I went to my son's ball game, he said to me, 'Dad, I hit a home run all the way out to second base!' " |
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More notes about Quotation Marks: Periods and commas always go inside the quotation marks. Colons and semi-colons always go outside the quotation marks. Question marks and exclamation points go inside the quotation marks if the entire quotation is a question or exclamation. They go outside if the quotation is only part of the sentence.
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Exercise A: Put the colons, semi-colons and quotation marks where they belong in the following sentences.
1. Republicans make up 58 percent of the registered voters in this county Democrats, 40 percent. 2. Mark usually awoke at 630 in the morning however, this morning he overslept. 3. Will you please hurry, Arnold called to his wife. It is time to leave. 4. The professional ball player signed these words on my baseball Always play fair and you'll be a winner. 5. There was a lot of junk left in the desk I bought at the auction paperclips, rubber bands, thumbtacks, scraps of paper, old envelopes and a dried-up ballpoint pen. |
Exercise B: Cross out the punctuation that is wrong, circle the punctuation that is right and add the punctuation that is missing.
10:A.M. | The Mona Lisa is located in Paris. |
Genesis:12:7 | The new term to refer to internet business is ecommerce. |
1159 P.M. | H.B. Stowe: Uncle Tom's Cabin: Atlanta: Random House: 1853. |
1115 hours is military time. | Answer these questions; 1, 4, 7, 10. |
"Shut up! the judge ordered." | The young poet wrote 'I Am' . |
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Examination: The following sentences illustrate the Punctuation Rules in this lesson, but the specific punctuation has been left out. Place the colons, semi-colons and quotation marks where they should be.
1. Betty told the other club members, Yesterday when I went to pick up my daughter from dance class, she said to me, Mom, I was able to stand on my toes for a whole minute! 2. I never liked the play Oklahoma therefore, I never bought the soundtrack. 3. The term blitz has a different meaning today than it did in the 1940's. 4. The hypnotist gave Mrs. Murray a list of instructions find a quiet room away from distractions close the curtains or blinds put the lamp on its lowest setting sit back in a soft, comfortable chair. 5. The policeman shouted, Get out of my way! as he chased the thief down the sidewalk. 6. I knew the game was nearly over the crowd began edging toward the parking lot. 7. I had not planned to work long at that job besides, the pay was lousy. |
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