
Chemistry
02. Colons and semi-colons
Colons and semi-colons, best thought of as lying between a comma (small pause) and a full stop (major pause), have distinct, non-interchangeable functions.
Colons have two major uses:
- to introduce a list (as here)
- to separate two parts of a sentence, the second part explaining or expanding on the first part.
- There was evidence of four carcinogens: radiation, asbestos, tobacco smoke and various chemicals.
- Fuel cell electronic devices are not made commercially: they would be beyond the financial reach of most people.
Colons should never be followed by a hyphen, and the first word that follows the colon is not capitalised in British English unless capitalised anyway, for example an acronym like DNA, or a proper noun (i.e. a name, for example Joseph Black).
Semi-colons have two major uses: to link two complete sentences that are closely related (i.e. both parts of the sentence have subjects and verbs); and to separate items in a list if the items are long.
- Every theory must be documented; every theory must be tested.
- Two different types of gene are important when considering the normal regulation of cell proliferation: genes which enhance cell growth and division; and genes which repair cell damage, inhibit cell division and perform programmed cell death if grow conditions are inadequate.
- When assessing a research proposal, a tutor looks for logic within the research process; detailed critical appraisal of existing literature; in depth evaluation of research design; understanding of the use of statistical concepts; and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Task | Task Type | Difficulty |
---|---|---|
Task 1 | Multiple choice | Easier |
Task 2 | Multiple choice | Moderate |
Task 3 | Multiple choice | Easier |
Task 4 | Multiple choice | More Challenging |
Task 5 | Multiple choice | More Challenging |
Task 6 | Multiple choice | Moderate |
Task 7 | Multiple choice | More Challenging |
Task 8 | Multiple choice | Moderate |