Semicolon vs Colon: Understand the Difference
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!
Let’s get started.
Understanding Independent Clauses
If you would like to learn when to use semicolons instead of colons, you must know what independent clauses are.
An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. It makes sense on its own and does not require another clause.
Independent clauses don’t need any other clauses to make sense.
Independent clauses don’t need any other clauses to make sense.
But why is this important to know?
Because if you’re trying to link independent clauses to show a close connection between them, then you should use a semicolon, not a colon. We’ll elaborate below.
How to Use a Semicolon in a Sentence
A semicolon creates a pause that’s longer than a comma, but not as strong as the complete pause of a period. It can be used to show a connection between independent clauses or to separate items in a series that contains other punctuation.
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that looks like a period (dot) with a comma under it.
1. Use Semicolons to Show a Connection Between Independent Clauses
A semicolon can show a close connection between related ideas.
In the examples above, the clauses before and after the semicolon can stand alone as complete sentences. However, the semicolon is used to show that they are closely related.
2. Use Semicolons to Separate Items in a Series That Contains Other Punctuation
Typically, commas are used to separate items in a series.
But if the series contains several punctuations, it may be hard to follow.
A semicolon makes the sentence easier to understand.
Keep in mind that when separating a dependent (or subordinate) clause from an independent clause, you should use a comma instead of a semicolon.
How to Use a Colon in a Sentence
So, we’ve covered how to correctly use semicolons; we’re halfway through! Now, let’s go over how to use colons in a sentence.
A colon looks like one period (dot) on top of another.
A colon looks like one period (dot) on top of another.
Colons have a few different uses, which we’ll explain below.
1. Use a colon to introduce an explanation or example.
In the examples above, the clauses that come after the colon cannot stand on their own. In other words, they’re dependent clauses. However, if they were independent clauses, it would be best to use a semicolon (in most cases).
2. Use a colon to introduce a list or a quotation.
Colons can also precede bulleted lists.
Additionally, it’s important to know that it’s also common for a comma to precede a quote. So, how do you decide when to use a comma or colon?
If the sentence that precedes the quota can stand alone (as in the example above), you can use a colon. If it can’t stand on its own, use a comma.
3. Use a colon to separate elements.
Do not use a colon to separate a verb from the object or complement of the sentence (unless, of course, the object is a quotation).
Moreover, do not put a colon between a preposition and its object, or after phrases like including or such as.
Colon vs Semicolon: Brief Summary
Voilà! Now you know how to use colons and semicolons correctly. We covered a lot, so here’s a helpful summary:
- Use semicolons to convey a close relationship between independent clauses.
- Semicolons can introduce a series that contains other punctuation.
- Use colons to present an explanation, example, list, or quotation.
- Colons are also used to separate elements, like the hours, minutes, and seconds.
As long as you keep those points in mind, you’ll be able to use colons and semicolons correctly in your writing.
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