Punctuation: Semicolons, Colons, Hyphens, and Dashes

English Language Arts, Grade 8

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When to Use a Dash There is no space before or after a dash. A dash is used to set off an “aside;” that is, something you would say behind your hand. When reading, a dash surrounds an interrupting clause. Dashes should be used sparingly. Mosquitoes the world’s most annoying insects, don’t you agree?— have a lifespan of about 60 days. When to Use a Semicolon Use a semicolon to separate two closely related independent clauses (sentences) that aren’t joined by a conjunction (and, but, or, for, so yet, nor ). Note the difference in these two sentences: The horse was beautiful; it was also stubborn. The horse was beautiful, and it was stubborn. Use a semicolon to separate two closely related independent clauses (sentences) that are joined by a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase (however, therefore, thus, for example) . Grandma was supposed to pick up Chris after school; however, she fell and broke her wrist. When to Use a Colon Use a colon in times to separate hours, minutes, and seconds. She won the marathon with a time of 2:29:37. Use a colon to introduce a long list of items. We still need to purchase these items for our trip: marshmallows, roasting sticks, matches, rope, and camp chairs. Use a colon to introduce a long quote. As President Kennedy said in his inaugural address: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.” When to Use a Hyphen Use a hyphen to join two-part words. All self words are hyphenated, and most ex words are, too. Some words that begin with re- and pre- are also hyphenated. ex-wife self-assured father-in-law re-emerged Use a hyphen in compound adjectives. A compound adjective is when two or more words directly in front of a noun are used together to describe that noun. A well-known artist entered the room. The six-year-old girl started to cry. or -- ; : - Punctuation: Semicolons, Colons, Hyphens & Dashes Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4081
Punctuation: Semicolons, Colons, Hyphens & Dashes Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4081 These sentences are missing semicolons and colons. Insert the correct punctuation mark in the appropriate location. There may be more than one per sentence. 1. The deadline for buying tickets is August 15 therefore, bring your check on Monday. 2. Her plane is scheduled to depart at 1235 p.m. 3. Tiny mites live on your eyelashes they have eight legs and look like alligators! 4. I can’t go out tonight I have a final exam tomorrow. 5. The moon has no air thus, a hammer and a feather dropped from the same height at the same time would hit the surface simultaneously. 6. Forces always work in pairs for example, a boy pushes his skateboard and Earth pushes back. 7. The Chinese invented noodles 4,000-year-old noodles have been found buried there. 8. She completed the exam with a time of 147. 9. Mass is the same throughout the universe weight changes with gravity. 10. Mahatma Gandhi said “Live as if you were to die tomorrow learn as if you were to live forever.” 12 6 9 3 1 11 2 10 4 5 7 8