when to use semicolon or colon
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- Rules for Using Semicolons. A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank. Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. But however they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods.
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How to Use the Semicolon But regardless of where the transitional term makes its appearance, the semicolon (or, if you prefer, the period) belongs at the end of the first main clause. 1  Use a semicolon between items in a series when the items themselves contain commas or other marks of punctuation.
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- When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank. Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. But however they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods.
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Using the semi-colon and colon The colon can also be used to introduce an explanation, conclusion or amplification of an earlier statement. The use of the colon separates and highlights the second statement, showing that it follows on from the first. Tai chi is more than a form of physical exercise: it is meditation in movement.
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Semicolons People often ask me what the difference is between a semicolon and a colon, and there are a couple of differences. First, the purpose of a colon is to introduce or define something.
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- Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop. Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see the Colons section). Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her.
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- Colons and semicolons should never be used interchangeably. Rule 1. Use a colon to introduce a series of items. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon (unless it's a proper noun).
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Using the semi-colon and colon To separate items in a list. Use the semi-colon to separate items in a list when one or more items contain a comma. (These examples use a colon to introduce items in the list. The speakers were: Dr Sally Meadows, Biology; Dr Fred Eliot, Animal Welfare; Ms Gerri Taylor, Sociology; and Prof. Julie Briggs, Chemistry.
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- 2. To join sentences. You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related. Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing.n independent clause is a group of words that can stand on its own (independently)—it is a complete sentence. Semi-colons can be used between two independent clauses. The semi-colon keeps the clauses somewhat separate, like a period would do, so we can easily tell which ideas belong to which clause.
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colon (punctuation) Updated November 29, 2016. The colon ( : ) is a mark of punctuation used after a statement (usually an independent clause) that introduces a quotation, an explanation, an example, or a series.
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Using Colons and Semi-Colons Using Colons and Semi-Colons. The most common punctuation marks in English are probably the period and the comma. However, good writing in English will usually make use of the colon and the semi-colon. Although these look similar and have similar names, their functions are completely different. This page will explain the functions of the colon and the semi-colon.
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1. What is a Semicolon? What is a Semicolon? In writing, a semicolon (;) is a type of punctuation used to combine full sentences and share complicated lists. Semicolons let us clearly share two or more related ideas in one sentence, which keeps us from writing a bunch of short, awkward sentences about the same topic or thing.
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The Semicolon and Colon Understanding the semicolon. The functional definition for a semicolon is that it separates major sentence elements. This means that you should use a semicolon between two closely related independent clauses if they are not already joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet).
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- In French, a semicolon is used where either a colon or a comma would be only half appropriate. The phrase following a semicolon can be either a full sentence (as if following a period) or a phrase (as if following a comma). However, in no case would the first next word be capitalized. Its meaning is only slightly related to the colon 's, if at all.
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Semicolon But you shouldn’t use a semicolon and a conjunction. That means when you use a semicolon, you use it instead of the ands, buts, and ors; you don’t need both. Here’s a hint: if you used a comma and an “and” to link two related ideas, think of the period (you know, the top part of the semicolon) as a replacement “and.”
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What is the difference between a comma and a semi colon? That is, having introduced some topic in more general terms, you can use a colon and go on to explain that same topic in more specific terms. Example: She wasn’t sure of one thing: the difference between a colon and a semi-colon. The semicolon has only one major use. It is used to join two complete sentences into a single written sentence when all of the following conditions are met:
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1. What is a Semicolon? A semicolon’s first job is to combine two or more independent clauses, putting together several full sentences about related things. You cannot use semicolons to combine an independent clause with a dependent clause, in other words, a complete sentence with an incomplete sentence (see How to Avoid Mistakes).
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Top Ten Punctuation Tips Distinguish between the colon and the semicolon. The colon and the semicolon can both be used to connect two independent clauses. When the second clause expands on or explains the first, use a colon. When the clauses are merely related, but the second does not follow from the first, use a semicolon.
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Semicolon Basics Print Page Report a broken link. Semicolons are punctuation marks used to separate parts of sentences. Use a semicolon in the following instances. Two independent clauses. Use a semicolon when separating two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction. Example: Jones (2014) argued that intelligence was fixed; Smith (2011) argued that ability could be fluid.
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Brief Overview of Punctuation Use a semicolon to join 2 independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, thus, meanwhile, nonetheless, otherwise) or a transition (in fact, for example, that is, for instance, in addition, in other words, on the other hand, even so).
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Cook The possibility of bacterial growth actually increases as food cools after cooking because the drop in temperature allows bacteria to thrive. But you can keep your food above the safe temperature of 140˚F by using a heat source like a chafing dish, warming tray, or slow cooker.
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- It's no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop. Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see the Colons section). Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her. Correct: I have one goal: to find her. Rule 1. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences.
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- Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction. Example: I have painted the house; I still need to sand the floors. Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations. Example: We had a reunion with family from Salt Lake City, Utah; Los Angeles, California; and Albany, New York.
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Montague Montague is a city in Siskiyou County, California, United States. The population was 1,443 at the 2010 census, down from 1,456 at the 2000 census.
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Using A Semicolon To Introduce Lists This is what the Penguin's Writers Guide: How to Punctuate by George Davidson (2005) has to say about the semicolon: In introducing lists, a colon is used when all the options are specified, whereas a semicolon is used when only some of the possible options are mentioned: The Gauls were afraid of only one thing: that the sky might fall on their heads.
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Semicolon The semicolon or semi-colon is a punctuation mark that separates major sentence elements. A semicolon can be used between two closely related independent clauses, provided they are not already joined by a coordinating conjunction. Semicolons can also be used in place of commas to separate items in a list, particularly when the elements of that list contain commas.