Semicolon vs Colon! Learn how to use a semicolon (;) and when to use a colon (:) in English with examples, punctuation rules and ESL worksheets. Colons and semicolons were initially used to express pauses longer than a comma and shorter than a period.
Semicolon (;)
What is a Semicolon?
What is the symbol (;) called in English? It is called a semicolon which consists of a dot above a comma ( ; ).
A semicolon is mainly used to separate two independent clauses while still demonstrating that a close relationship exists between them. The semicolon does a better job of showing the connection between two statements than a full stop would.
When to Use a Semicolon with Examples?
1. We use a semicolon between items in a list or series when the items themselves contain commas.
Examples:
- There are eight members on the team: two from China and Japan; three from France and Spain; two from Brazil and Chile; and one from India.
- We visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore in the spring; Germany, France, and Italy in the summer; and South Africa in the fall.
2. We use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are not connected with a coordinate conjunction.
A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses while still demonstrating that a close relationship exists between them. The semicolon does a better job of showing the connection between two statements than a full stop would.
Examples:
- They came all the way home; even so, they all knew they had to go back once more.
- My daughter is a teacher; my son is a doctor.
- John always slept with the light on; he was afraid of the dark.
- John likes to play cricket; David likes to play soccer.
- I drank lemonade; Tom drank tea.
- My husband would like coffee; I would prefer tea.
- I went to the basketball court; I was told it was closed for cleaning.
- I told Anna she’s running for the hills; I wonder if she knew I was joking.
Colon (:)
What is a Colon?
What is the symbol (:) called in English? It is called a colon which is a punctuation mark consisting of two dots one over the other ( : ).
A colon is a fairly common punctuation mark with a varied number of uses. It can be used to introduce a quotation, an example, a series, or even an explanation. Secondly, it can be used to separate two independent clauses. Finally, a colon can be used to show emphasis.
When to Use a Colon with Examples
1. We use colons to introduce lists, series, quotations and explanations.
A colon is used to announce, introduce a list, a quotation and before a final clause that explains something in the sentence.
Examples of colons with lists, series:
- He was going to buy three things: chairs, tables, and utensils.
- John has all the ingredients: minced clams, milk, potatoes, and onions.
- I have packed my cricket kit with the equipment I need: bats, gloves and pads.
- A man needs three things to survive: air, water and food.
Examples of colons with quotations:
- John wrote: “I wish you a merry Christmas. All affection and best wishes to you and yours.”
2. We use colons to separate independent clauses.
Examples:
- They will not make it: the storm is too strong.
3. We use colons to show emphasis.
Examples:
- He was there for one person: his mother.
- You have two choices: finish the work today or lose the contract.
- That’s because we have one goal: for you to consider your website a success.
4. We use colons to separate units of time.
Examples:
- Sophia set her alarm clock for 6:30 a.m.
- She ran the marathon in 1:27:34.5. (one hour, twenty seven minutes, thirty-four point five seconds.)
Semicolon vs Colon | Image
Learn the differences between a colon and a semicolon in English with this useful table.
hi eveyone
hey ethan
hey erik
hey hugh
hey karen
Hey guy
This is why mom doesn’t love you ER BUI
hey
hey jason
hi laura
Hey ER BUI
hey Journey
hey hey hey
hey boy
Hey pen
Hi Triddy
Hey Guest
-ur twin, guest
Hey Guest
-ur long lost twin, I guest…
Hey Guest
-Someone who doesn’t have any relation with you
hey 3 guests 😀
Hey Nassim
Hey Beowulf
Hey sania
thats my sister u ashol
Hey Ahmed
Hey Matt
Hey Joe
hii steve :3
Hi Heng!
Hey Jim
Hey Boris.
who wants to talk about games🎮🎮:)
i would bloody luv too
i would bloody also like too
….
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