How do you use a colon and semicolon?
Simply put, the colon is used to provide a pause before introducing related information, while the semicolon is just a break in a sentence that is stronger than a comma but not as final as a full stop.
How do you use a colon in a sentence?
5 Rules of Colon Usage
- Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause.
- Use colons between two sentences if the second sentence emphasizes or illustrates the first.
- Use a colon to introduce a bulleted or numbered list.
- Use a colon to introduce extended quotations.
Do you use a colon or semicolon for a list?
Use the semi-colon to separate items in a list when one or more items contain a comma. (These examples use a colon to introduce items in the list.
How do you know when to use a colon or semicolon?
Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. A colon, on the other hand, should be used for a stronger, more direct relationship. It should provide emphasis, an example, or an explanation.