Semicolon is used where sentences are grammatically independent and full. One essential rule when it comes to the application of it is that sentences that are separated by it should have close connections, if you know the general colon usage rules it will be no trouble for you to construct the sentence. For example, some people dance well; others sing well. Another example, she is a great person; you should adjust with her well.
Semicolon and Colon in Sentences
In the two sentences, you see that there are two fragments that are grammatically independent and full. The fragments are connected by the semicolon and the fact is that, the fragments are being connected nicely by means of good idea. Always keep in mind that two sentences being separated by semicolon should have close connection.
On the other hand, a colon is used before the reasons or explanations. For example, I had to drop the plan tour; I was unable to look for suitable dates.
In the sentence, you will see that the colon is used before an explanation or before a reason for the cancelled tour. Hence, if you will give a reason or explanation, then you should not use semicolon, but you should use the colon between happening and explanation. This is an essential rule when it comes to application of colon.
More Information About Semicolon Colon
Semicolons are being used in separating two different parts while colons are being used in introducing something. The semicolon is represented by symbol (;). There are two main rules for semicolons. First, it is used in combing two separate independent clauses where the clauses can be well combined with comma as well as conjunctions (and), however using comma and conjunction will slow down a reader. Second, semicolon is being used in separating different items in given series. If the items in series have commas in separating them, then you need to use a semicolon. For instance, he went to florist and chose roses; carnations; white, yellow and red lilies.
On the other hand, colon is represented by symbol (: ). It is used in introducing something where the details will come later. For instance, To have Broadway shows, it requires different skills: dancing, acting and singing.
Colon should be after the complete clause. For instance, there are numerous subjects that you need to learn: Spanish, French and English. The colon is used in separating minutes as well as hours. For instance, The school begins at 7:30 a.m.
A colon is used in separating subtitles from the titles. For instance, “Differences of Semicolons and Colons: Usages.”
- Semicolon is being used where sentences are grammatically independent and full.
Sentences are being separated by semicolon that has close connection.- Colon, on the other hand is being used before reasons or explanations.
- You use a colon before the list.
Summary on Sentences with Colons
Semicolons and colons have different usages. Colons are used in introducing something and it is used between titles while semicolons are used in separating two independent clauses of sentence and it is used in separating items in series having commas.
If you are in doubt, feel free to use a semicolon checker to avoid all the silly mistakes.
