Colon vs. Semicolon by kgodshall27@gmail.com

Mrs. Godshall

Godshall — 2015-06-01 12:03:50 UTC

Compare and contrast the use of the

colon and semicolon. Tell its uses and provide

an example of each.

Godshall — 2015-06-01 12:06:55 UTC

The colon is used as a punctuation mark indicating that a

writer is introducing a quotation or a list of items. The semicolon

combines two closely related sentences.

Examples:

You may be required to purchase items for the class: calculator, notebook,

textbook.

Call me tomorrow; you can give me the answer then.

Godshall — 2015-06-01 12:11:28 UTC

Colons can be used when the writer is

separating two clauses where the second is

explaining the first. Semicolons can be used before words such as

however or therefore.

Examples:

He got what he worked for: he was accepted into

the University.

Please bring your items for the trip; however, keep in

mind lunch will be provided.

Godshall — 2015-06-01 12:17:20 UTC

The colon is used in place of a comma to follow a salutation

in a business letter.

The semicolon is used to separate units of a series when

one or more of the units contains commas.

Examples:

Dear Mr. Jones:

Teams from all over the state will attend, including York, Pittsburgh,

Lancaster; and other rural and urban teams as well.

Godshall — 2015-06-01 12:22:22 UTC

Colons are used to introduce long quotations.

Semicolons are used to replace a period when joining two similar sentences.

The following quote from Lord of the Flies is an example of the

symbolism of how far the boys have come from the civilization: "The chief led them,

trotting steadily, exulting in his achievement. He was a chief now in truth; and he made

stabbing motions with his spear. From his left hand dangled Piggy's broken glasses."

We paid our money; we should be able to attend the trip.