Other Punctuation Marks

Beyond the comma and apostrophe, a few marks let you connect and introduce ideas with precision. The editing questions include semicolons, colons, and dashes, and knowing what each one does helps you pick the polished answer choice.

Semicolons, colons, and dashes each join or introduce ideas in their own way. A semicolon links two closely related complete sentences; a colon introduces a list or explanation; and a dash sets off information for emphasis. Used correctly, they make writing clearer and more sophisticated.

GED Math for Beginners 2026 The Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Preparing for the GED Math Test

Download

$27.99 Original price was: $27.99.$17.99Current price is: $17.99.

Rated 4.33 out of 5 based on 105 customer ratings

Satisfied 91 Students

Semicolons and Colons

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related, acting like a soft period. Both sides must be complete sentences. Wrong: The trip was long; but worth it. “But worth it” is not a full sentence, so a semicolon does not fit. Corrected: The trip was long, but it was worth it. Correct use: The trip was long; the view made up for it. A colon introduces a list, an example, or an explanation, and what comes before it must be a complete sentence. Wrong: The ingredients I need are: flour, sugar, and eggs. The words before the colon are not a complete sentence. Corrected: I need three ingredients: flour, sugar, and eggs. Think of a colon as saying, “here is what I mean,” and place it only after a full thought.

Dashes for Emphasis

A dash sets off information with more force than commas, drawing the reader’s eye to what follows or sits between the dashes. Use it to add a dramatic pause or to frame an interruption. Correct: She finally found the one thing she wanted — peace and quiet. A pair of dashes can surround extra information the way commas do, but with stronger emphasis: The results — surprising as they were — changed everyone’s mind. Do not overuse dashes, or they lose their punch. Wrong: We packed our bags: and left at dawn. A colon does not belong before “and left.” Corrected: We packed our bags and left at dawn. When you want a clear list or explanation, reach for a colon; when you want emphasis, reach for a dash; and when you simply join related sentences, use a semicolon.

Watch: A Short Video Lesson

EngVarta gives a clear overview to go with this lesson:

A Routine for These Marks

1. Use a semicolon only between two complete sentences.
2. Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list or explanation.
3. Use a dash to add emphasis or set off a strong aside.
4. Check that what comes before a semicolon or colon can stand alone.

Practice

1. What does a semicolon join?
2. What must come before a colon?
3. What is a dash used for?
4. Fix this: “The store sells: milk, eggs, and bread.”
5. Is this correct: “It rained all day; a gloomy day”?
6. Which mark adds the most emphasis?

Answers

1. Two closely related complete sentences.
2. A complete sentence.
3. Emphasis or setting off an aside.
4. “The store sells milk, eggs, and bread.”
5. No — “a gloomy day” is not a complete sentence.
6. The dash.

Where This Fits in Your RLA Prep

These marks build on using commas correctly and help fix run-ons and comma splices. See every topic on the Language Arts Prep Hub.

Recommended Prep Books

Keep building momentum with a full study guide and practice tests:

GED Math Comprehensive Prep Bundle Everything You Need to Ace the GED Math Test

Download

$64.99 Original price was: $64.99.$36.99Current price is: $36.99.

Rated 4.36 out of 5 based on 181 customer ratings

Satisfied 167 Students