How do you use a colon and semicolon in a list?
Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.
- He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
- He took three things on the hike: his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
When should a semicolon be used examples?
When to Use a Semicolon
- Semicolons separate items in a complex list. For example, The Council is comprised of ten members: three from Sydney, Australia; four from Auckland, New Zealand; two from Suva, Fiji; and one from Honiara, Solomon Islands.
- Semicolons join two closely related independent clauses.
How do you use a colon properly?
A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. (She had one love: Western Michigan University.)
How do you use a colon in a list examples?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Can you use a semicolon for a list?
Semicolons can be used to link items in a list, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a ‘super comma’.
What is a colon example?
A colon can be used to connect two independent sentences. Typically, a colon is used when the second sentence clarifies or explains the first sentence. For example, Me and my sisters are really excited: We’re going to Disneyland!
What symbol is the colon?
The colon is the symbol “:”. It is used in a number of different ways in mathematics. 1. To denote ratio or odds, as in 2:1 (voiced “two to one”).
How do you punctuate a colon?
The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon. As with the semicolon, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless the word is ordinarily capitalized.
Does a colon precede a list?
Use a colon before a series or list only if the words that introduce the list make up a complete sentence: To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, leavener, and salt.
What is semicolon example?
Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.