What are the rules of grammar on the use of colons and semi colons?

Answer 1

Use a semi-colon when you want to have a longer pause than a comma provides, but shorter than a period.

Example: "I like to eat cows; however, they don't like to be eaten by me."

A colon usually precludes a list, introduces an example or a sentence, etc.

Example:
The following are some of my favorite words:

*Face
*Smoothy
*Relativity

Answer 2

Colons

Rule 1 Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not appear.
Examples You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
I want an assistant who can do the following: 1) input data, 2) write reports, and 3) complete tax forms.


Rule 2 A colon should not precede a list unless it follows a complete sentence; however, the colon is a style choice that some publications allow.
Examples I want an assistant who can 1) input data, 2) write reports, and 3) complete tax forms.
If a waitress wants to make a good impression on her customers and boss, she should
a) dress appropriately,
b) calculate the bill carefully, and
c) be courteous to customers.
There are three ways a waitress can make a good impression on her boss and her customers:
a) Dress appropriately.
b) Calculate the bill carefully.
c) Be courteous to customers.


Rule 3 Capitalization and punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases in bulleted form. If each bullet or numbered point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end each sentence with proper ending punctuation. The rule of thumb is to be consistent.
Examples I want an assistant who can do the following:
a) input data,
b) write reports, and
c) complete tax forms.
The following are requested:
a) Wool sweaters for possible cold weather.
b) Wet suits for snorkeling.
c) Introductions to the local dignitaries.
These are some of the pool rules:
1. You must not run.
2. If you see unsafe behavior, report it to the lifeguard.
3. Have fun!


Rule 4 Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two strong clauses (sentences) when the second clause explains or illustrates the first clause and no coordinating conjunction is being used to connect the clauses. Capitalization of the sentence following the colon is optional.
Examples I enjoy reading: novels by Kurt Vonnegut are among my favorites.
Garlic is used in Italian cooking: it greatly enhances the flavor of pasta dishes.


Rule 5 Use the colon to introduce a direct quotation that is more than three typewritten lines in length. In this situation, leave a blank line above and below the quoted material. Single space the long quotation. Some style manuals say to indent one-half inch on both the left and right margins; others say to indent only on the left margin. Quotation marks are not used.


Rule 6 Use the colon to follow the salutation of a business letter even when addressing someone by his/her first name. Never use a semicolon after a salutation. A comma is used after the salutation for personal correspondence.




Semicolons:

Rule 1 Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.
Examples Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect all the privileges listed in the contract.


Rule 2 It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, however, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.
Examples You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.
As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.


Rule 3 Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
Example This conference has people that have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.


Rule 4 Use the semicolon between two sentences that are joined by a conjunction but already have one or more commas within the first sentence.
Examples When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her husband is able, he will be there to see her.

Answer 3

Sadly, none of the earlier answers is helpful. A colon is used to introduce a list of items. For example:

He had three favorite colors: red, yellow, and purple.

A semi-colon is used to separate independent clauses in a single sentence. There is no coordinating conjunction like 'but' or 'and'.

Example:

Jack Sprat ate no fat; his wife ate no lean.

Go to the library and check out "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. Better yet, go to the bookstore and buy it; that way you can keep it forever. It will help you immensely for the rest of your life. [Did you notice the use of a semi-colon in that second sentence?]

Answer 4

A colon is usually used right before a list of items or a long quote that is indented. For example:

"The housekeeper had a lot of groceries to buy: eggs,
milk, bread, coffee, ham, pasta, and other food items."

As you can see, I used a colon in my quote and as an introduction to my quote. Colons can also be used as a formal greeting after "To Whom It May Concern: ..."

Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses. A good test is to see if the two sides of the semicolon would make sense as independent sentences. For example:

"I cannot understand why I failed that test; I studied for weeks."

Answer 5

Only your Proctologist can tell you...or look in a dictionary.

Answer 6

i actually try not to use them