English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 46 PDF page 52 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

Use exclamation marks sparingly because they can unnecessarily exaggerate sentences.

EXAMPLE: Monet was the most influential painter of his time! (Most emphasizes influential

painter; therefore, an exclamation point is not needed.)

           SEMI-COLONBasic Punctuation Rules

Semicolons are used to separate clauses or phrases that are related and that receive equal

emphasis.

Semicolons join independent clauses in a compound sentence if no coordinating conjunction

is used.

EXAMPLE: Michael seemed preoccupied; he answered our questions abruptly.

Semicolons are used before a conjunctive adverb (transition word) that joins the clauses of

a compound sentence.

EXAMPLE: The emergency room was crowded; however, Warren was helped immediately.

Semicolons help avoid confusion in lists where there are already commas.

EXAMPLE: We travelled to London, England; Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Sofia,

Bulgaria.

COLONS

Colons follow independent clauses and are used to call attention to the information that

comes after. Colons come after the independent clause and before the word, phrase,

sentence, quotation, or list it is introducing.

EXAMPLE: Joe has only one thing on his mind: girls. (Word)

Joe has only one thing on his mind: the girl next door. (phrase)

Joe has only one thing on his mind: he wants to go out with Linda. (clause)

Joe has several things on his mind: his finals, his job, and Linda. (list)

Never use a colon after a verb that directly introduces a list.

INCORRECT: The things on Joe’s mind are: finals, work, and Linda.

CORRECT: The things on Joe’s mind are finals, work, and Linda.