Using Colons and Semicolons: Yes, There is a difference

Colon Looks like this : It indicates that a list, quotation, or some form of explanation follows.It indicates that a list, quotation, or some form of explanation follows.

A colon… is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence. It often follows words like these or following.EXAMPLE: Elsinore High School students have the following traits: intelligence, creativity, and humor.

NEVER use a colon… After a verb or preposition!!!!!!!!!! Example (DON’T DO THIS): Elsinore students are: smart, creative, and funny.

Also, use a colon… To introduce a long or formal quotation. EXAMPLE: In his Gettysburg Address, Lincoln urges Americans work hard: "It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced...."

Other Uses for the Colon end of a business letter greeting. To Whom It May Concern: separate the hour and minute(s) in a time notation. 12:00 p.m. separate the chapter and verse in a Biblical reference. Matthew 1:6

Semicolon Looks like this ; It marks a break in a sentence.It marks a break in a sentence. It is STRONGER than a comma, but WEAKER than a period.It is STRONGER than a comma, but WEAKER than a period.

A semicolon…. independent clauses Joins 2 independent clauses in a compound sentence when two clauses are of equal emphasis. EXAMPLE: Road work in Wildomar has hindered travel around town; streets have become covered with bulldozers, trucks, and cones.

A Semicolon also… independent clauses joins 2 independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, thus, meanwhile, nonetheless, otherwise) or a transition (in fact, for example, that is, for instance, in addition, in other words, on the other hand, even so).

EXAMPLE Terrorism in the United States has become a recent concern; in fact, the concern for America's safety has led to an awareness of global terrorism.

Semicolons are also used… to join elements of a series when individual items of the series already include commas.EXAMPLE: Recent sites of the Olympic Games include Athens, Greece; Salt Lake City, Utah; Sydney, Australia; Nagano, Japan.

QUIZ Write the following sentences correctly It is easily the best place in the city for: sports, picnics, concerts, walking, and enjoying nature. Mr. Hurst wants students to succeed to raise API scores however, students just want to beat Temescal.

3. For my vacation, I want to travel to Denver, Colorado, Chicago, Illinois, and Miami, Florida. 4. Summer is just around the corner in fact, there are less than 30 days until finals.