Have you searched high and low for a clear answer on the difference between colons and semicolons, but are still unsure how to use them correctly? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
This blog post will explain everything as simply and straightforwardly as possible, so you can finally learn how to use colons and semicolons properly in your writing. But how will we do that? First, we’ll briefly review what independent clauses are, which are necessary to understand if you want to use semicolons correctly.
Then, we’ll provide easy explanations along with examples to show you how to use colons and semicolons once and for all!
When you first start to learn English, you should understand the basics of grammar and expand your vocabulary by learning what words mean and how to use them correctly.
The more you learn and the more fluent you become, the easier it is to realize that there are different types of English.
What we’re trying to convey is that you develop an understanding of which words and phrases are suitable for specific situations and which are not. For example, you may feel comfortable using slang terms with your friends but not with your teacher. Conversely, there are expressions you would use when writing an email to your professor that would seem odd when talking to your peers.
Similarly, there are countless expressions that are commonly used (almost exclusively) in the business world.
To communicate clearly and confidently, you should comprehend what these phrases mean. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 25 of them to help you write more fluently and confidently at work.
But before we dive into those, let’s first go over a few tips for effective communication in the workplace.
Prepositions are tricky! The truth is that native speakers and English language learners alike struggle with the correct usage of prepositions. Why is this so?
For starters, prepositions can have various uses and meanings, and they also lack concrete grammatical rules to govern their usage.
Let’s meet on Monday.The package is on her desk.
In the sentences above, the preposition on conveys a different meaning in both examples. In the first example, it’s being used as a preposition of time, whereas in the second, it’s being used as a preposition of location (more on that later).
Additionally, learning prepositions can also prove difficult for English learners because English prepositions may not align with the prepositions in their native language.
For example:
The watermelon is on the refrigerator.The watermelon is in the refrigerator.
If you use a translation tool to convert both those sentences into Spanish, you get the same sentence:
La sandía está en el refrigerador.
But as confusing as prepositions may seem, it is possible to learn how to use them correctly in both writing and speech. First, you have to have a basic understanding of what prepositions are.
And, of course, you can always get an assist from LanguageTool’s Grammar Checker, which can help you ensure you’re using prepositions correctly.
When it comes to writing a college application essay (also referred to as a college admission essay), it’s okay to be nervous.
Whether writing is your strength or your weakness, it’s normal to have worries, doubts, or questions about writing one of these essays. After all, it’s your one opportunity to show who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and academic achievements.
But truth be told, worrying won’t help you compose an acceptance-letter-worthy essay—only preparation will.
That being said, this blog post will provide everything you need to write a compelling college application essay, from helpful tips to straightforward steps to follow.
Thank you for your time is a phrase that is frequently used in business communication to express gratitude when someone has spent time helping you or interacting with you in any way.
An alternative expression you can use in its place is I appreciate your time and attention.
Andrew, I appreciate your time and attention in smoothing out all the details.
Picture this: You’re an aspiring author working on a romantic fiction novel. You’re using an AI writing assistant to help rid your text of grammar and spelling errors. Occasionally, though, the writing assistant offers suggestions to paraphrase and “improve” your work. Out of curiosity, you view the suggestion, and it offers to “fix” it by rewriting poetic, awe-inspiring prose into a stiff, serious text. In dismay, you turn off the writing assistant because what’s the point?
LanguageTool understands that no two texts are the same. The Writing Goals feature lets you customize your experience so that you only get suggestions that fit your writing needs.
This is a game changer for all types of writers, whether you’re working on an academic paper, a work report, a creative project, or anything else. Below, we’ll show you how to use this writing feature and which writing goals you can choose from.
Juxtaposition is a literary and rhetorical device in which two contrasting elements, ideas, images, or characters are presented in close proximity to create a striking effect.
Picture a family with a relentlessly crying baby on an otherwise peaceful and quiet beach. Now imagine an extraordinarily black bear rolling around in blinding white snow. What do those two scenes have in common?
Both contain juxtaposition.
You may be wondering why writers would want to use juxtapositions in their writing. One would be to highlight differences and therefore evoke emotions, emphasize something, or grasp the audience’s attention. However, juxtaposition may also serve to connect seemingly unrelated themes. It can also help highlight the intricacies of a characteristic or concept that a reader might otherwise overlook.
In short, juxtaposition is a way to encourage readers to compare, contrast, and evaluate particular elements that are relevant to the text.
These are just a few of the many themes that are often juxtaposed.
Published on
June 12, 2025
by
Gina Rancaño, BA
Revised on
July 29, 2025
When it comes to verbs, there is so much more you need to know than the fact that they represent actions or states of being. For instance, you should be aware that there are different forms of verbs, each used for specific purposes.
A present participle is a verb form in which you add “–ing” to the infinitive. Present participles are used in the progressive (continuous) tenses, but can also function as adjectives.
My baby brother was crying all morning.
The crying baby woke up the whole house.
Below, we’re going to review everything you need to know to master these particular verb forms—present participles—including their definition, usage, and examples. You can also use LanguageTool’s Grammar Checker to make sure you’re using verb tenses correctly.
ASAP stands for “as soon as possible.” It is common in spoken English and informal writing, but would be unusual in formal outward-facing written English. There are many different ways of saying the same thing (e.g., a synonym you can use instead is without further delay.)
Thank you for understanding is an expression used to show someone your gratitude for their patience, thoughtfulness, or ability to comprehend a particular situation.
This phrase is flexible and lends itself well to different situations. There are also many alternatives to it, which we’ll cover below.
