Colons and semicolons are two forms of punctuation. Colons (:) are utilized in sentences to point out that one thing is following, like a citation, instance, or checklist. Semicolons (;) are used to hitch two unbiased clauses, or two full ideas that would stand alone as full sentences. As quickly as we discover the examples of colons and semicolons under, you may be that a lot nearer to the title of Grammar Professional.
Semicolons are one of many generally misused members of the punctuation tribe. Simply keep in mind this principal level: semicolons are used to offset two unbiased clauses.
Contents
Unbiased Clauses
And eventually, colons can be utilized to separate two unbiased clauses. These are clauses that may stand alone as two full ideas.
There are two issues to notice within the examples under. First, every instance incorporates two clauses. You should not use this development to attach greater than two clauses. Second, you don’t capitalize the primary phrase within the second clause. Let’s have a look!
- I simply need you to recollect: two can play at that sport.
- You may come choose me up now: I’m feeling significantly better.
- Always remember this level: assume earlier than you converse.
- Barry wished to know why I did not reply to his textual content: I hadn’t acquired it.
- The city jogged my memory of my childhood holidays: each have been on the seaside.
- The world is a stage: play your function nicely.
- He cares for nobody: he’s the epitome of egocentric.
You may additionally see colons come earlier than a protracted checklist of things. Past that, they’re additionally used after a proper introduction, as in “To Whom It Might Concern:” For extra info on all 5 guidelines, try these 5 Guidelines of Colon Utilization.
Semicolons in Sentences
Semicolons are one of many generally misused members of the punctuation tribe. Simply keep in mind this principal level: semicolons are used to offset two unbiased clauses.
Unbiased Clauses
Like colons, semicolons should not be used to attach greater than two clauses and you don’t capitalize the primary phrase of the second clause. Which means they’re for use while you’re coping with two full ideas that would stand alone as a sentence.
Why not use a interval, then? Semicolons symbolize two intently linked unbiased clauses. If one or each of the clauses is not full, think about using a colon as an alternative.
- Dad goes bald; his hair is getting thinner and thinner.
- It’s best to cease consuming a lot meals; you’ll have to go on a food plan.
- You want new brakes; in any other case, you could not have the ability to cease in time.
- Star Trek was my favourite tv present throughout the 1960s; in actual fact, it’s my favourite tv present of all time.
- I had an enormous meal; nevertheless, I’m already hungry once more.
- She had self-defense coaching; consequently, she warded off the assailant.
- We had too many fumbles; we misplaced the sport.
- I do know you do not like broccoli; however, it is extremely good for you.
- Michelle drives a Jaguar; Sonya drives a Porsche.
- I’ve completed the principle course; now I’ve to make dessert.
- She calls it the lavatory; I name it the john.
- Mother desires the chores accomplished; furthermore, she desires them carried out correctly.
- I will probably be there as quickly as I end working; that may be a promise I’ll undoubtedly hold.
- She did not see the opposite automobile coming; now her automobile has an enormous dent.
- There may be mounting proof of world warming; in fact, some folks won’t ever imagine it.
- Let’s go to Woof Gang Bakery; they promote the yummiest canine treats.
- I really like Outlander; “Each Sides Now” is my favourite episode.
- She moved to Eire; she most popular the tranquil setting over America.
- Let’s go to the library; there are 15 completely different books I might prefer to take out.
- It is a Remington typewriter; all of the keys are intact.
This will likely depart you questioning for those who ought to use a colon or a semicolon to attach two unbiased clauses. Here is a great rule of thumb. If the 2 clauses are merely associated, not essentially sequential in thought, use a semicolon. Nonetheless, if the 2 associated clauses comply with a sequence of thought, use a colon.
Lists
There’s additionally a smaller, but essential, function that semicolons play. That’s, they stand in for commas in lists when commas alone can be complicated. Check out the examples under. Every merchandise within the checklist incorporates commas itself, so utilizing commas to separate the gadgets would result in ambiguity.
As such, the semicolon involves the rescue to divide the lists, appearing as a comma, however permitting for higher group and readability.
- So far as journey via the USA, I’ve visited Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California.
- Please pack my anthologies on brief tales, poetry, and Shakespearean performs; my biographies on Jackie Kennedy, Charles Stuart, and Queen Elizabeth; and my historic romance novels by Nora Roberts, Jude Devereux, and Diana Gabaldon.
- You may order a sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese; ham, egg, tomato, and cheese; or tomato, lettuce, and avocado.
Punctuate With Proficiency
Wasn’t that thrilling? Colons can do greater than offset a protracted, bulleted checklist. They will additionally separate two clauses and introduce a precious quote.
As for semicolons, now you can be part of the ranks of grammarians who use them correctly. In a land of LOLs and BRBs, it is good to know you are still a grammar aficionado. Proficiency won’t ever exit of favor.
Prepared for an additional controversial punctuation mark? Evaluate these eight occasions commas have been essential to see in case your comma sport is on level. Then, take pleasure in your standing as a Grammar Professional!
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Colon :
Colons typically introduce an evidence. The phrase that comes after the colon normally explains or expands on what got here earlier than it. Additionally it is used earlier than a checklist, citation, reply or to offer distinction.
- ‘Life is sort of a field of candies: you by no means know what you are gonna get.’ On this instance from Forrest Gump, the phrase that follows the colon explains why life is sort of a field of candies.
- ‘I really like watching movies after college: comedies are my favorite.’ The phrase that follows the colon right here expands on what the individual loves about watching movies.
- ‘Tom hated his mum’s cooking: soggy sprouts, smelly cabbage and lumpy mashed potatoes.’ On this instance, a colon is used to introduce an inventory of issues that Tom’s mum cooks that he would not like. Are you able to additionally spot the alliteration?
Semi colon ;
Connecting concepts
The commonest approach to make use of a semicolon is to assist be part of intently related concepts in a sentence. These sections have to be unbiased and full sentences, however intently linked in a roundabout way.
A full cease might typically be used as an alternative of a semicolon, however the impact on the reader would change. As on this well-known opening line from a Charles Dickens’ novel, A Story of Two Cities:
- ‘It was one of the best of occasions. It was the worst of occasions.’
- ‘It was one of the best of occasions; it was the worst of occasions.’
Breaking apart an inventory
Semicolons may also be used when writing an inventory. In most lists, it’s sufficient to make use of commas to separate the gadgets. Nonetheless, if the checklist is extra difficult semicolons could also be wanted to make the checklist clear for the reader:
- ‘Once I pack for college, I make certain I’ve my calculator, compasses and ruler for maths and science classes; drawing pencils, with colored pastels, for artwork; shin pads, goalie gloves and boots for soccer; and my bus cash.’
The semicolons are added to sign to the reader which objects are grouped collectively and make the general checklist clearer.
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