Asked by: Amanda Brown

A colon is used to introduce an explanation or summary, so “To quickly summarize” is followed by a colon. A semicolon is used between two related independent clauses. “MIT is located in Massachusetts” and “FIU is in Florida” are independent of each other. One does not follow on from the other or depend on the other.

Can I use semicolon in summary?

Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. For example, this summary could say “Semicolons are useful; they show that clauses are related in meaning.”

When should semicolons and colons be used?

Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. A colon, on the other hand, should be used for a stronger, more direct relationship. It should provide emphasis, an example, or an explanation.

Can you use a colon for an explanation?

Colons follow independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as sentences) and can be used to present an explanation, draw attention to something, or join ideas together.

When should you not use a colon?

1. Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as “such as,” “including,” and “for example.” Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Rule to Remember

Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.

What is a semi colon used for?

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.

Do you use a colon before 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.

How do you use a colon in a list examples?

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 apply or are not appropriate. Examples: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?

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.

What is the main difference between a semicolon and a colon?

The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.

Can you end a paragraph with a colon?

Broadly speaking, I would avoid the colon. I see nothing wrong with a period. If you insist on a colon like that, only use it if what follows is clearly laid out as an easily identifiable list.

What can I use instead of a colon?

(3) The special conditions requiring a colon are absent. Here is a famous example: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. A semicolon can always, in principle, be replaced either by a full stop (yielding two separate sentences) or by the word and (possibly preceded by a joining comma).

Can I use semicolons to separate items in a list?

There are two essential ways to use a semicolon. The first is relatively straightforward and separates a list of items in a sentence; the second separates independent clauses, while connecting them as related ideas. Semicolons can be used to link items in a list, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions.

What is the two dots called?

The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed on the same vertical line.

Is the Oxford comma?

The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. For example, in “the flag was red, white, and blue”, the Oxford comma would be the one appearing before “and”. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences.

Why you shouldn’t use the Oxford comma?

Why don’t they use it? Many opponents of the Oxford comma claim that it makes a piece of writing sound more pretentious and stuffy, and that it can make things seem cluttered and redundant. Many magazine publishers renounce its use as well, because sentences loaded with commas take up valuable page space.

Why don t journalists use the Oxford comma?

Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this: Please bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook.

Why is the Oxford comma controversial?

When a sentence includes a series of people, places, or things, using the Oxford comma makes it clear just how many items you are listing and resolves any potential confusion or ambiguity. Also, without the Oxford comma, you may inadvertently suggest a connection between the last two items that does not actually exist.

Does thank you need a comma?

This one’s easy: You always need a comma after thank you when you are addressing someone directly. That means it’s “Thank you, John.” Adding a comma here separates the statement from the name of the person being thanked.

Does Cambridge use Oxford comma?

In its own text, the guide by Cambridge omits serial commas; Oxford’s retains them. So for British English, use serial commas or omit them, but do so consistently. And if you go without, make sure to add a comma wherever its absence might create ambiguity.

Does MLA use Oxford comma?

The Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), and Oxford University Press all support the Oxford comma.

How do you use a semicolon in MLA?

Use a semicolon when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words. For example: I am going home; I intend to stay there. It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.

How do you use a colon in an essay?

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.)