Colon vs. Semicolon: When to Use a Semicolon, a Colon

Difference Between (:) Colon vs Semicolon (;)! Many English speakers are uncertain about the correct usage of the colon and the semi-colon. This lesson will explain these two punctuation marks with ESL picture.

Colon vs. Semicolon

Colon (:)

What is colon punctuation?

The colon ( : ) is a punctuation mark consisting of two dots one over the other.

When to Use a Colon

In the majority of the cases, the colon is used to introduce a list of things.

A colon may also be used to introduce a dependent clause that helps to emphasize or illustrate the idea in the preceding clause.

It indicates that the reader should look forward to information that follows on from the earlier statement.

Examples:

  • Topics discussed will include: the structure of viruses, virus families and current concerns in virology.
  • There is only one way to culture that cell line: in medium with L-glutamine.
  • 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.
  • The lab report consists of six sectionsintroduction, background, engineering theory, experimental setup, procedure, and analysis.

Semi-Colon (;)

What is semi-colon punctuation?

The semi-colon ( ; ) consists of a dot above a comma. It enables the writer to avoid over use of the comma and preserves the finality of the full stop.

When to Use a Semicolon

# 1. A semi-colon is used to separate sentences where the conjunction has been left out. The semi-colon tells the reader that the second clause is closely linked to the first clause.

Examples:

  • Sumit likes to play cricket; Amit likes to play soccer.
  • I drank lemonade; Manish drank tea.
  • I read the book in one evening; it was not very helpful.

#2. The semi-colon can be used to link sentences which also use words such as otherwise, however, therefore, as connectors. These connectors (known as conjunctive adverbs) also include: moreover, nevertheless, thus, besides, accordingly, consequently, instead, hence.

Examples:

  • I did not finish reading the text; instead, I watched the news.
  • The research is far from conclusive; nevertheless, it has some value in this case.

Difference Between Colon vs Semicolon | Infographic

Colon vs Semicolon: When to Use a Semicolon vs a ColonPin

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yftyfudirtd
yftyfudirtd
3 years ago

hey

hjk
hjk
3 years ago
Reply to  yftyfudirtd

hi

poo
poo
1 year ago
Reply to  hjk

Bye

dude perfect
dude perfect
3 years ago

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Cody did not know colon and semicolon

Thank you!

know Cody understood

lord gaming
lord gaming
3 years ago
Reply to  dude perfect

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dude perfect
3 years ago

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dude perfect
3 years ago

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3 years ago

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Santhosh Chacko
Santhosh Chacko
3 years ago
Reply to  dude perfect

Me too pls

Joe Mama
Joe Mama
3 years ago

This is very informational and explains in depth on semicolons and colons. I highly recommend this article to other struggling learners.

Lesedi Thantsha
Lesedi Thantsha
3 years ago

Thanks for help.

MoD
MoD
3 years ago
  • Topics discussed will include: the structure of viruses, virus families and current concerns in virology.

You use the above sentence to demonstrate the proper use of the colon. However, your sentence is incorrect. There should NOT be a colon after the verb phrase “will include.” It should just read “will include the structure of …” Keep in mind that the wording BEFORE a colon must be an independent clause.

Rebecca J Brotherton
Rebecca J Brotherton
2 years ago

I’m writing a book at age 68. This website has been a Good- send for me.

Bii
Bii
2 years ago

*god

Mr.Beast
Mr.Beast
1 year ago

I give 2k for free.

bert
bert
1 year ago

thanks bro

meowmeow
meowmeow
1 year ago

ngl i think colons are better

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