Let me work through each sentence to determine whether a colon or semicolon is needed.
Understanding the rules:
-
Colon (:) - Used before a list, explanation, or example that follows an independent clause
-
Semicolon (;) - Used to join two related independent clauses (complete sentences) or to separate items in a complex list
Working through each sentence:
1. "I have a dental appointment on Wednesday at 2:00 PM."
- This is already complete. No punctuation needed between words. The time format uses a colon correctly.
- Answer: Neither needed (already correct)
2. "Bob ate the pizza; Jane ate the burgers."
- Two independent clauses joined together
- Answer: Semicolon
3. "I went to the cottage; my sister went to the zoo."
- Two independent clauses joined together
- Answer: Semicolon
4. "The restaurant served the type of food we all like: pasta."
- A list/explanation follows "like"
- Answer: Colon
5. "The speech was stellar: creative, informative and well presented."
- An explanation/list follows "stellar"
- Answer: Colon
6. "I went to the library; it was closed."
- Two independent clauses joined together
- Answer: Semicolon
7. "Tomorrow will start out sunny; however, rain is expected by the afternoon."
- Two independent clauses joined with a transitional word
- Answer: Semicolon
8. "I am sick; I need some Tylenol."
- Two independent clauses joined together
- Answer: Semicolon
9. "To Whom It May Concern:"
- This is a greeting/salutation
- Answer: Colon
10. "Jay made a dental appointment: he lost a tooth when the puck hit him."
- The second part explains why he made the appointment
- Answer: Colon
11. "I need the following groceries: milk, bread, juice, and butter."
- A list follows "following groceries"
- Answer: Colon
12. "I have one goal: to win the race."
- An explanation follows "goal"
- Answer: Colon
Final Answer:
1. Neither (already correct)
2. Semicolon
3. Semicolon
4. Colon
5. Colon
6. Semicolon
7. Semicolon
8. Semicolon
9. Colon
10. Colon
11. Colon
12. Colon
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of colons semicolons worksheet.
