Transcript IF 9/4: Colons

I.F. 10/7: Colons
Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list of particulars,
an appositive, an amplification, or an illustrative quotation. A colon
tells the reader that what follows is closely related to the preceding
clause. The colon has more effect than the comma, less power to
separate than the semicolon, and more formality than the dash. It
usually follows an independent clause and should not separate a
verb from its complement or a preposition from its object.
Wrong: Your dedicated whittler requires: a knife, a piece of wood, and
a back porch.
Right: Your dedicated whittler requires three things: a knife, a piece of
wood, and a back porch.
Rewrite the following sentences utilizing a colon.
1.
Right now we are studying literary terms. The terms include theme,
tone, diction, alliteration, and syntax.
2.
The students had to bring many items to class. They must bring
books, pens, paper, and binders.
Semi-Colon
Many people are afraid of the punctuation mark that looks like this ; this
is the semi-colon and it is your friend. A semi-colon is used to join
two independent clauses together that are about a similar topic.
Semi-colon must join a statement with a statement. It can not join
a statement with a question. Example:
I will do well on our first timed writing; I have been paying attention to
the instruction in class.
Semi-colon can also join an assertion with a quote. Example:
Capote’s dismissive tone describing Holcomb is most severe towards the
end; “And that, really, is all”.
Look at the following sentences. If the two sentences can be rewritten
using a semi-colon write yes, if they can not, write no.
John Gillespie is very talented. However, he also is
obnoxious.
2.
What do you think of Robert Frost? I have always found his
poems meaningful.
3. The following items can be bought at HEB: flowers, goats’
milk, honey combs, and hair relaxing cream. I wish it were
warmer outside, and I also wish Drew would be more confident.
1.
Avoid Ending Sentences
with a preposition:
Grammar Myth?
From Grammar Girl: By Mignon Fogarty http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/ending-a-sentence-with-apreposition
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is whether it’s acceptable
to end a sentence with a preposition.
I know many of you were taught that you shouldn’t end a sentence with
a preposition, but it’s a myth. . . .many people believe it’s true, but
nearly all grammarians disagree, at least in some cases.
So before I lose you, let's back up. What is a preposition?
 A preposition is a word that creates a relationship between other
words. It's been said that prepositions often deal with space and
time (1), which always makes me think of Star Trek. For example,
the prepositions “above,” “by,” and “over” all say something about a
position in space; the prepositions “before,” “after,” and “since” all
say something about time.
When Can a Sentence End with a
Preposition?
Here's an example of a sentence that can
end with a preposition: What did you step
on? A key point is that the sentence
doesn't work if you leave off the
preposition. You can't say, “What did you
step?” You need to say, “What did you
step on?” to make a grammatical sentence.
Ms Sample says:”The problem really is
superfluous prepositions.”
Avoiding extraneous
prepositions
The problem with unnecessary prepositions doesn't
happen just at the end of sentences. People often
throw extraneous prepositions into the middle of
sentences, and they shouldn't (2). Instead of saying
“Squiggly jumped off of the dock,” it's better to say
“Squiggly jumped off the dock.” You see? You don't
need to say “off of the dock”; “off the dock” says the
same thing without the preposition.
Another example is “outside of” when “outside” by
itself would do just fine. You should say, “He's outside
the door,” not, “He's outside of the door.”
The Job Application Rule
“I said you don’t need to rewrite those sentences, but
because of the prevalent myth that it’s wrong to end
sentences with prepositions, there are times when you
should avoid doing it even though it isn’t wrong. For
example, when you’re writing a cover letter to a
potential employer, don’t end a sentence with a
preposition. The person reading the letter could see it
as an error. I always recommend following the most
conservative grammar rules in job applications. I’d
rather be hired than lose out on an opportunity
because my grammar was correct--but perceived as
wrong.”
Rewrite the following sentences by flipping the
preposition inside the sentence or eliminating it
where possible.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Which parking lot did you come from?
Which state were you born in?
When you packed up the car, did you leave
the suitcase out?
Sean was very tired; though he considered
getting out of bed by removing his blanket,
he ultimately decided it was best to just
stay under.
It would be best if you just go back to
where you came from.
P.S. Nothing about ending
sentences with prepositions is on
the test!