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Punctuation: how do we use colons and semi-colons?
ScottsEnglish
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A lot of students don't know how to correctly use colons (:) and semi-colons (;). Do you know how to use them? If not, these rules of use will help 
.
In general, a colon is used when a list follows a statement. For example, "The three languages you need to learn for web programming are: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript." It can also be used to show an explanation is following: an explanation of what came before.
A semi-colon is often used to replace a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, yet, so) in a sentence. "The man didn't see the car coming; now he will be off work for two weeks." In this example, we could also write the sentence with so, using a comma: "The man didn't see the car coming, so now he will be off work for two weeks."
Semi-colons are also used with adverbial conjunctions to finish the first clause before the conjunction:
The children worked hard on the painted mural; however, the rain washed the paint away.
The rise in interest rates has had a predictable effect on the economy; as a consequence bankers are encouraging investors to save.
The experiment showed that some human parasites can help control asthma; conversely, few people want to try the treatment.
One final use of semicolons is in combination with a colon to make a long list with clauses.
For example, "I have never seen such blatant political scandals: one the one hand, a candidate who admits to buying votes; on the other hand, a candidate who has a criminal record."
Examples:
(notice the colon, because a list of sentences will follow)
This is a simple cake with only four ingredients: one quarter each of butter, sugar, flour and eggs.
Military forces have been sent to quell the uprising; at the moment everyone involved is safe.
Literature does not seem to be vital in a knowledge economy; nevertheless, many employers target graduates with liberal arts degrees.
French colonialism rivaled the extent of the British Empire: the French had colonies in the New World; in Africa and in Southeast Asia; not to mention European nations which adopted French language and customs.
Be sure to enroll here at Scott's English PLUS for lots more punctuation practice!
. In general, a colon is used when a list follows a statement. For example, "The three languages you need to learn for web programming are: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript." It can also be used to show an explanation is following: an explanation of what came before.
A semi-colon is often used to replace a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, yet, so) in a sentence. "The man didn't see the car coming; now he will be off work for two weeks." In this example, we could also write the sentence with so, using a comma: "The man didn't see the car coming, so now he will be off work for two weeks."
Semi-colons are also used with adverbial conjunctions to finish the first clause before the conjunction:
Accordingly As a result As a consequence Therefore Thus Hence | Nevertheless However Nonetheless Conversely Instead On the other hand | Furthermore Further In addition Also Beside Moreover |
The children worked hard on the painted mural; however, the rain washed the paint away.
The rise in interest rates has had a predictable effect on the economy; as a consequence bankers are encouraging investors to save.
The experiment showed that some human parasites can help control asthma; conversely, few people want to try the treatment.
One final use of semicolons is in combination with a colon to make a long list with clauses.
For example, "I have never seen such blatant political scandals: one the one hand, a candidate who admits to buying votes; on the other hand, a candidate who has a criminal record."
Examples:
(notice the colon, because a list of sentences will follow)
This is a simple cake with only four ingredients: one quarter each of butter, sugar, flour and eggs.
Military forces have been sent to quell the uprising; at the moment everyone involved is safe.
Literature does not seem to be vital in a knowledge economy; nevertheless, many employers target graduates with liberal arts degrees.
French colonialism rivaled the extent of the British Empire: the French had colonies in the New World; in Africa and in Southeast Asia; not to mention European nations which adopted French language and customs.
Be sure to enroll here at Scott's English PLUS for lots more punctuation practice!
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