What is the difference between a colon and semicolon?

What is the difference between a colon and semicolon?

Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.

How do you practice using a semicolon?

1. Semicolons are most often used to connect two independent clauses (full sentences) that are related in meaning.
2. Less often, you’ll need a semicolon to separate items in a series.
3. Insert any semicolons or commas needed in the following sentences.
4. He slept through his alarm; luckily his first class was cancelled.

How do you use a colon practice?

A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.

When should you use a semicolon examples?

A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

Do you capitalize after a colon?

When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun. When a colon introduces a phrase or an incomplete sentence that is meant to add information to the sentence before it, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun.

What is a semi colon used for?

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.