Semicolons, colons, and dashes serve specific purposes in writing. The Digital SAT tests whether you can use them correctly — and distinguish when each is appropriate.
Core Concepts
Semicolons
Join two independent clauses that are closely related:
"The experiment succeeded; the team celebrated."
Rule: Both sides of a semicolon must be able to stand alone as complete sentences.
Also used before conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless):
"The data was inconclusive; however, the team pressed on."
Colons
Introduce a list, explanation, or elaboration. The part before the colon must be a complete sentence.
"She brought three items: a notebook, a pen, and a calculator."
"The reason was clear: the budget had been cut."
Dashes (Em Dashes)
Set off additional information, create emphasis, or signal an abrupt change:
"The results — which surprised everyone — were published immediately."
Dashes are more emphatic than commas or parentheses.
Paired dashes work like parentheses: the sentence should make sense without the dashed content.
Strategy Tips
Tip 1: Semicolon = Period (Essentially)
If you could use a period, you can use a semicolon. Both sides must be independent clauses.
Tip 2: Colon = "Namely" or "Here It Is"
What comes after the colon explains or lists what came before.
Tip 3: Dashes for Emphasis
Dashes emphasise the inserted information more than commas or parentheses.
Tip 4: The Comma Splice Test
If the SAT shows two independent clauses joined by just a comma, that's a comma splice. Fix with a semicolon, period, or comma + FANBOYS.
Worked Example: Example 1
"The museum has an extensive collection; it includes works from the 15th century." ✓ (Two independent clauses.)
Worked Example: Example 2
"She had one goal: to finish the marathon." ✓ (Colon introduces an elaboration.)
Worked Example: Example 3
"The winner — a 19-year-old from Texas — accepted the award gracefully." ✓ (Dashes set off additional information.)
Common Mistakes
- Using a semicolon before a dependent clause. "She left; because she was tired" is wrong.
- Putting a fragment before a colon. The part before must be a complete sentence.
- Using one dash instead of two. Paired dashes require both an opening and closing dash.
Key Takeaways
Semicolon: joins two independent clauses (like a period).
Colon: introduces a list or explanation (complete sentence before it).
Dash: emphasises or sets off information (more dramatic than commas).
Test: both sides of a semicolon must stand alone as sentences.
