Semicolon Vs Colon

English grammar is complex with numerous rules and equal number of exceptions. Semicolon and colon stand as a pair of most troublesome punctuations that may bewilder you every time you try to use them in your writing. It must be understood that these punctuation marks are not just for merely decorating the sentences in your writing! They have a larger meaning in a sentence and their correct usage imparts literary beauty to a sentence. Moreover, very long sentences, crafted in style by using punctuation at right places, help readers to understand them in a much better way. Differences in usage of semicolon vs colon have been mentioned further.

Semicolon Vs Colon - Usage

The use of semicolon and colon is one of the most misunderstood pieces of English grammar. The colon is represented by two dots, one above the other, while a semicolon is represented by a dot and a comma, placed one above the other. Both these punctuations have some popular uses and students can make a note of them. Let us know when to use a semicolon and colon.

When to Use a Semi Colon

Semicolon usage is common in English language. It acts as a linking punctuation between two complete sentences that are not connected by coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', 'nor', 'or', 'so' and 'yet'. More grammatically speaking, they're used to link two independent clauses in compound sentences. Independent clauses, as we all know are sentences that are complete in themselves. Compound sentences are a combination of many independent clauses. In most of the cases, you may be always able to use a period instead of a semi colon however, if sentences are very closely related, we skip the period and use a semi colon.

Example: I'm going to the stationery shop; I need to buy a sketch book.

In case, you put comma in the above sentence after shop, it will be called a comma splice example as both sentences are independent clauses and so they must be joined by a semi colon and not a comma. Another proper use of semicolons is that it lets the reader ponder over the relationship of two sentences separated by a semi colon. This is used in cases of humor, jokes and ironic literature.

Example: Luke drives a Mercedes; John drives a Santro Zing.

In the above sentence, it was not incorrect to use a period between the two sentences however, we're using semi colon to hint to the reader that there is some relation between the two independent clauses. Here the relation is of "contrast". We use semicolon to make the reader think about the relation between two separate sentences. While using semi colons as connector words, 'however', 'moreover', 'that is' (i.e.), 'for example' (or e.g.) and 'therefore' can be used.

Example: Ravi is an Indian; however, he lives in the US.

In the above sentence, the semicolon is placed before the conjunctive verb, 'however' and the comma after the conjunctive verb. Remember it is a thumb rule to use semi colons in sentences using 'however', 'moreover', 'that is' (i.e.), 'for example' (or e.g.) and 'therefore'.

Semicolons are also used in explanations where many commas are already present.

Example: My air trip will take me to the following places across the globe; Delhi, Egypt, Venice, Hongkong, Thailand, Malaysia, New York, Toronto, Stockholm and Pune.

The aforementioned information several presented ways on using a semi-colon. Let's now move onto the use of a colon with a few examples to help you understand the same.

When to Use a Colon

Colons introduce us to sentences. The presence of a colon hints towards something that is to follow or occur. After reading the sentence before a colon, you'll realize and anticipate something to happen. Using colons requires the presence of two independent clauses. Mostly, a colon is used to introduce a list or to explain something. Here are some examples to explain to you the semicolon vs colon difference further.

Examples:
1) I need to purchase a few things from the grocery store: bread, butter, jam and fruits.
2) The School drama club has announced the opening of the following plays: King Lear, 11th Feb; the Count of Mount Cristo, 12th Feb; Romeo and Juliet, 14th Feb and As You Like it; February 20th.

Similarly, colons are used to explain the end of an independent clause in a sentence.

Examples:
1)Writing is much more than mere arranging of words: it is an expression of the deeper voice within us.
2)After having lost four matches in a row, the captain made a decision: his team would fight, one more time.

Colons are also used in salutation of business letters (Dear Mr Luke:____), in the heading of a business memos, letters (To:____, Subject/Title:_______) and between the hour and minutes notation (6:15pm). Some other places where colons are used is in citation of works in literature, in between verses of Bible etc. (Genesis 1:18-20) or Vol. 2:34. Sometimes, it is used as a part of the title like NFL Coaches: Salaries of NFL Coaches 2011.

Grammar and composition are one of the most integral parts of English language and understanding classic differences between usage of semicolon and colon can help one to use them in sentences without making any mistakes.