The first difference is that the purpose of a colon is to introduce or define something.
It enables the writer to avoid over use of the comma and preserves the finality of the full stop. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation.Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Consider first the following two sentences: Lisa is upset. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. It can be substituted for a comma plus a conjunction. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). 1 Comment / Confused Words / By Shraddha Borade.
Essentially, a semicolon is like a comma with more meaning or a colon with more flexibility.
The most frequent use of the semi-colon is between two complete sentences. You might be getting confused as to when and how to use semicolon and colon, when to use them and what is the basic difference between a semicolon and a colon. Since the use of the colon and the semicolon, although simple in principle, presents so many difficulties to uncertain punctuators, it will be helpful to contrast them here. Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses. A punctuation quiz to help you revise semicolons, colons, and commas. Punctuation is an essential part of writing in English and can change the whole point of the writing if didn't use at the right place. There should not be a space before the semicolon or period. ; Tom ate breakfast with his family; then he left for his trip. Now, according to the history, the word colon has its origins in the mid 16th century. Incorrect punctuation of bullet lists is a distraction and bad for readability and your message.
The Colon and the Semicolon Compared.
Semi-Colons.
To join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence when their ideas are given equal position or rank: The universe has always called to human beings ; there could be no more final frontier than space. In other words, each clause has a subject and a verb.
The following details use of each punctuation according to APA 6 (pp. It creates a pause in a sentence which is not as absolute as a full stop but is heavier than a comma. People generally gets confused as to what is the difference between using a semicolon and a colon. Gus is having a nervous breakdown. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences. Basically, a semi colon (;) is like a half-way point between a comma and a full stop, which may be why it looks like a combination of the two! Although the colon and the semicolon look similar, they each have very different uses in the English language. It enables the writer to avoid over use of the comma and preserves the finality of the full stop. Ex: Tom ate breakfast with his family, and then he left for his trip.
Guideline: Use a semicolon to separate main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb.
Semicolon vs. Comma – Difference and Usage. When to Use a Semicolon # 1.
So, it's better to keep your concepts clear then screwing up a paragraph or essay.
Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon.
Quick Answer.
In this lesson, we will take a look at the colon vs semicolon. Semicolons Versus Colons – How do we decide which to use. Essentially, a semicolon is like a comma with more meaning or a colon with more flexibility. Guideline: Use a colon to set off a summary or a series after a complete main clause.
Semi-colons are used to separate items in a list and to link closely related sentences. To join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence when their ideas are given equal position or rank: The universe has always called to human beings ; there could be no more final frontier than space. Therefore, semicolon means half of the colon. Colon vs Semicolon : When and How to use them Correctly. Consider first the following two sentences: Lisa is upset.