Using colons, dashes, and semicolons effectively in opinion writing
I can use colons, semicolon and dashes to elevate my opinion writing.
Using colons, dashes, and semicolons effectively in opinion writing
I can use colons, semicolon and dashes to elevate my opinion writing.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In a sentence with a colon, one side of the colon makes sense; the other side provides detail or clarification.
- Semicolons link or contrast two independent clauses that each make sense on their own.
- A pair of dashes can be used in place of commas to enhance readability.
- Dashes are always more emphatic than commas (they express a point more forcibly and create a longer pause).
Common misconception
Semicolons can be used to join any two clauses of any length.
The clauses joined by a semicolon must be both be independent clauses (which means they make sense of their own) and should be linked in terms of their subject matter.
Keywords
Independent clause - part of a sentence that makes sense on its own with no extra information required
Colon - a piece of punctuation (:) that can introduce lists and provide further explanation
Semicolon - a piece of punctuation (;) that can separate two closely related independent clauses
Dashes - pieces of punctuation (-) that can introduce extra information as a parentheses
Clarity - the quality of being coherent and intelligible
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
can introduce lists and provide further explanation
can separate two closely related clauses
can introduce extra information as a parentheses when used in pairs
can indicate an exclamation of some kind