Semi colon
Between items
•Semicolons may be used to separate items in a series when some of the items already contain commas.
•I cannot decide which car I like best: the Ferrari, with its quick acceleration and sporty look; the midsize Holden, with its comfortable seats; or the Prius, with its economical fuel consumption.
Question 9
Semi colon
•Many people are worried about shark attacks in the sea; however, the chances of this happening are extremely remote.
•Correct. A semi colon can be used with a conjunction between 2 independent clauses.
Colons
Colons
•Colons are used at the end of a clause to give additional information e.g. a list.
•There are 3 main kinds of dangerous Australian animals: snakes, spiders, and sharks.
Question 10
Colons
•According to Smith (2008), there are three main reasons to explain the low scores; lack of preparation, lack of sleep and nerves.
•Wrong. Use a colon (:) to give a list
•Correct
•According to Smith (2008), there are three main reasons to explain the low scores: lack of preparation, lack of sleep and nerves.
Question 11
Colons
•The case involved Richard Thomas, the father; Nigel Thomas, the son; and Margaret Thomas, Nigel’s wife.
•Correct. The semi colon separates the different people involved.
Exclamation marks
• Don’t use them in an academic essay!
Quotation Marks
•“When do we use quotation marks?” Simon asked.
•“We use them when we quote someone,” Mark replied.
•“What’s the difference between a single quotation mark and a double one then?” asked Simon.
•“My teacher said, ‘only use a single quotation mark when you are quoting someone quoting someone else’”.
Quotation marks
•Avoid using quotation marks in an ironic way in an academic essay.
•My so-called ‘friend’ was kissing my girlfriend last night.
Congratulations!
•You are now Punctuation experts!
•Its essential that you check your work. And make sure there are: no punctuation mistakes.
•Come, and see us at Student Learning Support if you have any ‘questions’.