Commas and periods always go inside the quotation marks in American English; dashes, colons, and semicolons almost always go outside the quotation marks; question marks and exclamation marks sometimes go inside, sometimes stay outside.
Do I put a colon before a quote?
Commas and periods always go inside the quotation marks in American English; dashes, colons, and semicolons almost always go outside the quotation marks; question marks and exclamation marks sometimes go inside, sometimes stay outside.
Can you introduce a quote with a colon?
Introduce the quotation with a complete sentence and a colon. ... This is an easy rule to remember: if you use a complete sentence to introduce a quotation, you need a colon after the sentence .
How do you introduce a quote with a complete sentence followed by a colon?
Rule 1: Complete sentence: “quotation.” (If you use a complete sentence to introduce a quotation, use a colon (:) just before the quotation .) Rule 2: Someone says, “quotation.” (If the word just before the quotation is a verb indicating someone uttering the quoted words, use a comma.
Can I use a colon in an essay?
You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. ... Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing. So don’t get carried away with your colons!
What are some examples of semicolons?
Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm ; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.
When to use a colon or a semicolon?
Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses . The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.
How do you use a colon in a sentence with a list?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list , if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare.
How do you use a semicolon and a colon in a sentence?
Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses , or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.
How do you use a colon and semicolon in an essay?
- To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation. ...
- To join sentences.
When can I use a colon in writing?
A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles . Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. (She had one love: Western Michigan University.)
Where do I use semicolons?
Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
Which sentences use a semicolon correctly?
When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses , you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently. I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.
What do semicolons stand for?
Bamum semicolon. The semicolon or semi-colon ; is a symbol commonly used as orthographic punctuation. In the English language, a semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
How do you use semicolons in a list?
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas . There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North ; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.
