Understanding Colons

Rules for using colons:

• Use a colon to mean "note what follows."

• Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as the following and as follows.

• Use a colon before a statement that explains or clarifies a preceding statement.

In Washington, D.C., we visited three important national sites: the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.

The only tools allowed in the examination area are as follows: pencils, compasses, rulers, and protractors.

Preston slapped his forehead: He had forgotten to put oregano in the sauce.

Let's watch a video about semicolons.

Understanding Semicolons

Rules for using semicolons:

• Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in thought are that are NOT joined by a coordinating conjunction.

• Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a transitional word or expression.

Everyone else in my family excels in a particular sport; I seem to be the only exception.

Only two people registered for the pottery lessons; as a result, the class was cancelled.