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Colons and Semi-colons

Writing well is a lot more than just correct grammar, but it is an important element.

Do you know the difference between colons ( : ) and semi-colons ( ; )? Here are the rules.

• Colons are used
  • between the hour and minutes-8:15
  • after the salutation of a business letter-Dear Madam:
  • to introduce a list, examples, a series of statements, or a long quotation. The only trick here is that the part of the sentence that comes before the colon must be a complete sentence. Correct-Jim took three courses last semester: Old Testament, Tillich, and CHATS. Incorrect: My favorite foods are: spinach, ochre, and turnips.
    
• Semicolons are used
  • between two clauses of a compound sentence when they are not connected by a conjunction. Correct: It's going to snow this weekend; I need to get out the shovels. Incorrect-It's going to snow this weekend; and I need to get out the shovels.
  • between independent clauses which are joined by a conjunctive adverb such as therefore, hence, however, nevertheless, accordingly, then, and thus. Correct-I partied too hardy last night; consequently, I failed my Greek test.
    

Don't rely on the grammar checker on your computer. It often does not catch these. These are but a few of the rules for colons and semicolons. Check a grammar handbook for more details.

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