colon+or+a+semicolon

The semicolon is a simple piece of punctuation, much easier to work with than the comma because it follows fairly clear rules. If you learn the two simple rules explained here, you'll rarely go wrong. It has two main uses, which are both easy to identify. You use it to [|connect] two independent clauses together into one sentence, and you use it as a super-comma. You can use it in a few other unusual situations, but they come up rarely, and there are other ways to handle those situations. Learn them if you want to be perfect, but if you learn to recognize the two primary uses, you will do fine as semicolon [|user]. To Connect Two Independent Clauses Independent clauses are series of words that could stand alone as complete sentences. When you have two otherwise complete sentences that you want to connect to form one long sentence, use a semicolon between them. Example: This could be a complete sentence; this could be another one. If you put a comma where that semicolon is, you will have committed a "comma splice," which is a very nasty grammar error indeed. Sometimes, the second clause doesn't really look like a complete sentence, so you must watch closely. Example: Twelve workers started the project; only five remain. There is, however, one exception that can cause you a problem. You don't use a semicolon to connect two complete sentences if there's a conjunction between the clauses (and, but, etc.). In that case, use a comma. Example: This could be a complete sentence, and this could be another one. Adding that single word, the conjunction "and," means that you must change that semicolon into a comma. To Serve as a Super-comma When you have a series of three or more items that normally would be separated by commas except that each individual item already has a comma in it, you use the semicolon between items. Example: We visited Pago Pago, Western Samoa; Curitiba, Brazil; and St. George, Utah. Example: The trio's birthdays are November 10, 1946; December 7, 1947; and October 31, 1950. Example: Her favorite players are Steve Young, a quarterback; Jason Buck, a defensive end; and Ty Detmer, another quarterback. As in the examples above, citing places, dates, and people's names with descriptions, are three very common situations where you'll see the super-comma usage. Minor Uses A few relatively infrequent situations also call for a semicolon. When you list three or more items tacked onto the end of a complete sentence preceded by a connector word such as "that is," "for example," or "for instance," you may use either a comma or a semicolon. Either of the following two example sentences is correct. Example: Be sure to watch out for grammar errors; for instance, comma splices, run-on sentences, and dangling modifiers. Example: Be sure to watch out for grammar errors, for instance, comma splices, run-on sentences, and dangling modifiers. You may also use a semicolon to connect two otherwise complete sentences even if they are connected by a conjunction, if the first sentence already has one or more commas in it. It's optional, but may on occasion make the sentence more understandable. Example: When I eat alone, I leave a mess; but that's not the worst of it. Both the minor uses noted above are optional, so if you can remember only the first two situations above, you'll never go wrong by putting a semicolon where it doesn't belong.

=[|How to Use a Colon in a Sentence]= Do you feel hopeless when it comes to the use of the colon? Does it haunt you in your sleep? Do you find yourself asking questions like 'how do I use this piece of punctuation'? Well, be prepared for a long-awaited restful night and the answers to your undaunted questions. In this wikihow article, you will learn the importance of the colon and the uses in compound sentences and lists. 

Steps

 * 1) **When used in punctuation a colon plays the role of introducing.**
 * 2) **Use the colon to introduce a list of items in a sentence or a title.**
 * 3) Examples:
 * Omar only thinks of one thing: scoring goals.
 * Alberto dreamed of the best way to end the season: winning the championship.
 * Francisco will have two responsibilities during the game: stop the foward from advancing and get the ball up to Ramon.
 * There are three things I love in my life: my family, my friends, and my team.
 * Champions: Chivas win for the 11th time.



Tips

 * Try associating colons with lists and other ways of naming things successively, such as a grocery list. For example: “There are so many things I need to purchase for the party: balloons, streamers, food, soda, gifts, and plates.”
 * Remember, there is still need for an ‘and’ before the last word you are listing when using a colon. For example: “There are so many things I need to purchase for the party: balloons, streamers, food, soda, gifts, //and// plates.”
 * When a colon follows quoted matter, the colon goes outside the quotation marks. For example: "There were three people to whom he sang 'The Girl From Ipanema': his mother, his sister and his best friend."
 * If a colon is followed by a complete sentence, capitalize the first word after the colon. For example: "While in Venice, he did something he had never done before: He took a gondola ride."



Warnings

 * Never use a colon to introduce a list that is the complement of a verb or the object of a preposition.
 * The toys we took to the sleep over were: army men, hot wheels, and Barbie dolls.(incorrect--colon separates the verb from its complement)
 * We took these toys to the sleep over: army men, hot wheels, and Barbie dolls. (correct)
 * We have vacationed in: Philippines, China, Thailand, and Hong Kong. (incorrect--colon separates the preposition from its object)
 * We have taken a vacation in the following countries: Philippines, China, Thailand, and Hong Kong. (correct)
 * Always remember to use a colon between independent clauses when the second clause gives a fuller explanation of what is stated in the first clause.
 * Family camp had an enormous effect on families: they came home with a different perspective on life and with a genuine love for each other.
 * Do not forget to use a colon between chapter and verse of Biblical reference.
 * John 3:16
 * Remember to always use a colon between the hour and the minute of a time reference.
 * 11:11 P.M.