Semi-colon ;• 1. Use when combining 2 independent clauses

(sentences) on the same topic.– Example:• We went shopping; we bought milk.• My mother co-signed for a loan; now I have my own car.–Notice, the semi-colon takes the place of a comma and

conjunction.

* The word that follows the semi-colon is NEVER capitalized. (Unless it is a pronoun like Jane, I, etc.)

• I went to the movie; ate some popcorn. (YES)• I went to the movie; Ate some popcorn. (NO)

;

• 2. Use between a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression.– The popular names of certain animals are misleading;

for example, the koala bear is not a bear.

Examples of these:However Instead MeanwhileBesidesFor example Therefore In fact Furthermore

;

• 3. Use a semi-colon to separate items in a series when it already contains commas.– We went on a field trip to Topeka, Kansas; Freedom, Oklahoma;

and Amarillo, Texas.

Colon :• 1. Use after a complete sentence to introduce a

long quote, a list, an illustrative example.– Example:• Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address said: “Four

score and seven years ago…”• We bought a lot of groceries: apples, pears, carrots,

bread, etc.• We saw a strangely dressed woman: bright, pink lipstick,

outrageous muumuu, huge floppy shoes, and hair that looked like she had stuck her finger in a light socket.

:

• 2. Time– Example:• 2:30 a.m.

:

• 3. Business letter salutation– Example:• To whom it may concern:• Dear Sir:

:

• Subtitles in titles (or to separate chapters and verses).– Example:• Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring