L
ists and colons.
- Use a colon to set off a list if the
clause introducing the list can stand as a sentence by itself
(e.g., We will study all five great lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan,
Erie, and Superior).
- Do not set off a list if the clause
introducing the list cannot stand as a sentence by itself (e.g.,
The five great lakes are Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and
Superior).
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S alutations
and colons.
- Use a colon following the salutation or greeting in a business
letter (e.g., Dear Mr. Wilson:).
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L
ists and semicolons.
- Use semicolons for items that would be confusing
if they were set apart by commas (e.g., We invited Mrs. Jones,
Karen's mother; Mrs. Smith, Karen's aunt; and Mrs. Parker, Karen's
teacher.).
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T
wo independent clauses and semicolons.
- Use a semicolon with two independent clauses
which are not connected with a conjunction (e.g., Think carefully
before responding; your future may depend upon your answer.).
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