#0 - Shorter GRE - Verbal Section: Question type breakdown
#1 - Introduction
#2 - Definitional Sentences
#3 - Punctuaction:Colon,Semicolon, and Dash



Punctuation marks are symbols that clarify meaning and separate written parts of sentences. Writing represents spoken language and punctuation imitates non-verbal elements of speech to convey meaning. Punctuation establishes the structure and logic of written language. Without punctuation, written texts could be interpreted in multiple ways. In English, punctuation is crucial for the reader to understand the writer's meaning.

On the GRE we usually have the following in a sentence TC/SE alike.

• Colon
• Semi-colon
• Dash or specifically Em dash: —

#1 - Common uses of colons

A colon is a punctuation mark that is used to connect two clauses, where the second clause explains, expands, or illustrates the first one. The clause preceding the colon should be a complete and independent sentence that can stand alone. The colon can be used to introduce a list, a quotation, or an example that supports the first clause, or to signal a conclusion or a summary. Additionally, a colon can be used to draw attention to a particular word or phrase in the second clause for emphasis, or to introduce a question or a statement that follows logically from the first clause. It is important to note that a colon should not be used after a verb or a preposition, as it can cause confusion and make the sentence grammatically incorrect.


1. A colon is a punctuation mark used to highlight and draw attention to various elements in writing. Some common ways you can use a colon include announcing, introducing, or directing attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation.
Using a colon can help to make your writing clearer and more organized, especially when you want to emphasize certain information or ideas. For example, if you're going to provide a list of items, such as ingredients for a recipe or steps for completing a task, you can use a colon to introduce the list and make it stand out from the rest of the text.


2. A colon is a punctuation mark that can join two closely related sentences. It is commonly used when the second sentence provides additional clarification, summary, or explanation to the first sentence. For this to work, both sentences must be complete and their content closely related. By using a colon, you can create a strong connection between the two sentences and make it clear to the reader that they are closely related and complementary to each other. This is a valuable technique in writing, particularly in academic and technical writing, where precision and clarity are essential.

3. When writing, it is crucial to convey the time accurately and appropriately. This includes correctly indicating the time in titles and adhering to other writing conventions. It is essential to consider the context and purpose of the writing and any style guidelines that may be applicable to ensure that the time is conveyed clearly and effectively. Whether it is a matter of indicating the time of an event or simply incorporating time-related information, attention to detail and precision are essential to effective writing.


#2 - Common uses of semnicolons


The semicolon is a punctuation mark that is used to create a stronger separation between two independent clauses in a sentence than a comma does, but not as strong as a period. It is a versatile punctuation mark that can be used in a variety of ways.

The two most common uses of the semicolon are:

1. To connect two independent clauses in a sentence that are closely related in meaning and cannot be separated by a period. For example: "She loves to read books; he loves to write stories."

2. To separate items in a list that already contain commas. For example: "The team included John, the captain; Sarah, the coach's daughter; and Tom, the star player."

Using a semicolon can help to create a more complex sentence structure and add variety to your writing style. However, it is important to use it correctly to avoid confusion and grammatical errors.


#3 - Common uses of dashes


When it comes to using dashes in writing, it's important to understand their purpose and when they should be used. While dashes are not strictly required by the rules of grammar and punctuation, they can be a useful tool to convey emphasis, introduce or conclude a sentence, indicate bonus phrases, or break up dialogue.

One of the primary uses of dashes is to emphasize material. Dashes can be used to set off a word or phrase that is particularly important or impactful, drawing the reader's attention to it. In this way, dashes can be thought of as the opposite of parentheses, which are used to de-emphasize material.

Another common use of dashes is to introduce or conclude a sentence. Dashes can be used to indicate a break in thought or tone, signaling to the reader that what follows is a separate but related idea. Similarly, dashes can be used to conclude a sentence, adding a final emphasis or providing a sense of closure.

Dashes can also be used to mark bonus phrases, which are nonessential but add detail or information to a sentence. By using dashes to set off these phrases, the reader can more easily identify and understand their purpose.

Finally, dashes can be used to break up dialogue, making it easier for the reader to follow and understand who is speaking. By using dashes to indicate changes in speaker or to separate dialogue from action or description, the writer can create a more engaging and immersive experience for the reader.

For the GRE purpose, usually, it is meant to be used in the first case



used Semicolons, colons, and dashes https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and- ... nd-dashes/
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Semicolons vs. Colons vs. Dashes https://www.grammarly.com/blog/semicolo ... n-vs-dash/