Page 103 - Grammar Glow - 8

¾ to join two sentences that are about the same thing.

• My brother has a red cycle; I have a blue one.

¾ to join two similar sentences while using a conjunctive adverb, such as also, besides,
similarly, however, then, therefore, and meanwhile.

• You have completed your homework; therefore, you may go and play.

¾ to connect items in a list which are separated by commas.
• The important dates in our school calendar are August 15, 1947; January 26, 1950;
February 12, 2010; and April 12, 2017.

Colon (:)

A colon (:) expands the sentence that precedes it. It is used:
¾ to introduce a word, phrase, list or quotation.

• I have learnt quite a few languages: English, French, Mandarin, Hindi, Marathi, and
Bengali.

¾ to give emphasis to what comes after an introduction.
• Forrest Gump did what he could do best: running.

¾ before explanations.

• We decided to postpone the trip: it was raining.
¾ after the reporting verb in direct speech.

• My mother said: “Don’t forget to buy bread.”

Remember
A colon is never used after such as.

• I need paints such as: blue, green, and pink. (incorrect)
I need paints such as blue, green, and pink. (correct)

Question Mark (?)
A question mark (?) is used:

¾ at the end of an interrogative sentence.

• Who is your teacher?
¾ with a question starting with the verb forms to do or to be.

• Did you go to the party?
¾ in a series even when it does not make a complete sentence.

• Which ice cream are you having? Orange? Chocolate? Or Fruit and Nut?

¾ when a statement is spoken in the tone of a question.
• Both of you will be here by 7 in the morning?

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