Semicolon
Use semicolon between sentences, with or without a conjunction: E.g., The rumour was worrying that the King was dead; the people believed it.
Use semicolon to separate longer items in a list, particularly if they need further punctuation by commas: E.g., Punctuation marks include a full stop, which is the strongest stop; a semicolon, which is weaker; and a comma, which is the weakest of all.
Colon
Use a colon to introduce full-sentence quotes: He said: ‘Punctuation is difficult.’
Use a colon to introduce lists: All of the students passed the exams: Bill, Jack, Andrew and Terry.
Use a colon between two sentences where the second sentence explains or justifies the first one: Try to keep your English language uncluttered: it reads more easily.
Use a colon between two sentences to mark an antithesis: People propose: The God disposes.
Full stop
You should use a full stop in a text to mark the end of a sentence
Exercise № 59. Rewrite the whole of the text. Put punctuation marks where necessary.
The Government’s central economic objective is to achieve high and stable levels of growth and employment in meeting this objective the Government wants to encourage a fair society in which everyone can share in higher living standards and wider job opportunities and to see economic development taking place in a way that respects the environment Stable public finances are key requirements for long-term economic stability the Government’s fiscal policy is guided by two strict rules.
That over the economic cycle the Government will borrow only to invest and that current spending will be met from taxation
That public debt as a proportion of national income will be held over the economic cycle at a stable and prudent level
These rules require that current taxpayers pay for current spending since they enjoy its benefits future generations gain from public investment so it is reasonable to borrow to finance investment with future generations bearing the corresponding debt servicing and depreciation costs to implement its new rules in July 1997 the Government announced a five-year deficit reduction plan.
APPENDIX 2. SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC
Aries, the Ram March 21 – April 20
P
ositive:
strong, enthusiastic, positive, optimistic, ambitious
Negative: tactless, stubborn, unreasonable, and irritable
Taurus, the Bull April 21 – May 20
P
ositive:
honest, reliable, cautious, and thorough
Negative: unforgiving, stubborn, materialistic, and overbearing
Gemini, the Twins May 21 – June 20
P
ositive:
bright, creative, charming, adaptable, intellectual
Negative: shallow, unreliable, doesn’t concentrate, easily bored
Cancer, the Crab June 21 – July 20
P
ositive:
home-loving, sympathetic, kind, loyal, patient
Negative: timid, unambitious, lazy, retiring
Leo, the Lion July 21 – August 21
P
ositive:
leading, organizing, generous, hospitable, popular
Negative: arrogant, rude, conceited, materialistic
V
irgo,
the
Virgin August 22 – September 22
Positive: Hard working, responsible, moderate, trustworthy, open-minded,
Negative: critical, cold, too tidy, miserly
Libra, the Scales September 23 – October 22
P
ositive:
fair-minded, harmonious, considerate, and artistic
Negative: insincere, escapist, vain, jealous
Scorpio, the Scorpion October 23 – November 22
P
ositive:
brave, strong-willed, highly principled, determined
Negative: boastful, sly, ruthless, vengeful
Sagittarius, the Archer November 23 – December 20
P
ositive:
honest, broad-minded, practical, trusting
Negative: restless, risk-taking, tactless, undisciplined
Capricorn, the Goat December 21 – January 19
P
ositive:
patient, serious, business-like, hard-working, self-controlled
Negative: bossy, narrow-minded, critical, materialistic
Aquarius, the Water Carrier January 20 – February 18
P
ositive:
individualistic, honest, humanitarian
Negative: fanatical, eccentric, temperamental, impractical
Pieces, the Fish February 19 – March 20
P
ositive:
idealistic, sympathetic, loving, trusting
Negative: depressive, gloomy, lazy, easily led