English Grammar and Punctuation

LO: I can use colons and semi-colons to punctuate my writing.

We have recently covered the rules for using colons and semi-colons to punctuate our sentences when writing. Today, I would like you to recap on your understanding for both of these punctuation marks, and then to complete the two challenges I have set.

Use of colons:

• To introduce a list where there is a main clause before the colon.
• To introduce an explanation where there is a main clause before the colon (a colon can replace the conjunction 'because')
• To introduce a 'reveal' where there is a main clause before the colon.
• To introduce direct speech.

Use of semi-colons:

• To separate two main clauses that are closely linked (a semi-colon can replace the conjunctions 'and', 'so', 'but' and 'or').
• Before an adverbial conjunction (however, although, nevertheless).
• To separate longer items in a list.