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Colons and Semicolons
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Colons and Semicolons
Help a community garden team prepare a clear newsletter. Choose and use colons and semicolons carefully. A colon can introduce a list or explanation after a complete sentence; a semicolon can join two closely related complete sentences. Check that the words before a colon form a complete sentence.
Spot the punctuation
Read each sentence and answer the question that follows.
1.The garden crew needs three tools: a trowel, gloves, and a watering can. What job does the colon do?
- It introduces a list after a complete sentence.
- It joins two complete sentences.
- It separates a subject from its verb.
2.The seedlings looked thirsty; Andre watered them before lunch. Why is the semicolon correct?
3.Choose the sentence with a correctly used colon.
- We planted: beans and peas.
- We planted two crops: beans and peas.
- We: planted beans and peas.
Repair the newsletter
Rewrite each sentence with correct punctuation. Keep the meaning the same.
4.Add a colon where it belongs: Please bring these items seed packets, labels, and a notebook.
5.Join these closely related sentences with a semicolon: The rain stopped. The volunteers returned to the garden.
6.This sentence uses a colon incorrectly: Our garden grows: tomatoes and carrots. Explain the problem and correct it.
7.Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
- The compost is ready, we can use it on the beds.
- The compost is ready; we can use it on the beds.
- The compost is ready: we can use it on the beds.
Create and explain
Show what you know by writing your own examples.
8.Write one complete sentence that uses a colon to introduce a list of at least three garden supplies.
9.Write two closely related complete sentences joined by a semicolon. Underline or identify each complete sentence.
10.A newsletter draft says, “The garden has one goal: to welcome more butterflies.” Is the colon correct? Explain why.
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