How To Use Dashes Semicolons And Colons
Semicolons colons and dashes.
How to use dashes semicolons and colons. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation. Following this quick guide to using colons semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical precision and writing. How to properly use a semicolon we use semicolons to separate two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction for and nor but or yet so etc. Just be sure to become comfortable with the dash. Model 1 levin wanted friendship and got friendliness.
Colons come after a complete sentence and set up a list or explanation. Being able to use them correctly will give your writing more impact making what you say clearer for the reader. Find out more with this bitesize primary ks2 english guide. Your new sentence should follow the accompanying guidelines and use the same punctuation contained in the model. After reading the handout you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing.
The dash is used for the most part to give your sentence that little dramatic pause it needs to provide emphasis. Dashes can replace colons. What this handout is about. Use a dash in place of a colon. A dash can add extra information and is more flexible in this way.
Notice that in comparison to the colon and the semicolon the dash is pretty flexible with its usage. Leave out punctuation unless you identify a situation that requires it. A dash can also connect two sentences when you want to sound less formal. It should give you the least amount trouble on the exam. If they were separated by a full stop it might sound a bit abrupt.
Semicolons connect two independent clauses. Use each sentence below as the model for a new sentence. Don t use commas in between two independent clauses. A semi colon can replace a full stop between two or more sentences that share a theme. Use an em dash instead of a colon when you want to emphasize the conclusion of your sentence without giving it all of the connotations that a colon brings.