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GramerFreek Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Colons vs. Semicolons
As an aspiring editor, this has sometimes been my Achilles heel. When connecting two independent clauses, I sometimes find it difficult to know whether I should use a semicolon or a colon. I understand that semicolons should precede words such as "however" and basic rules like that; it's the grayer areas that I have trouble with. I've read some comments that say colons should connect clauses that are directly related, while semicolons should connect ones that are only somewhat related. But what determines that, and are there additional rules?
Top answer
edu/engagement/2/1/44 / Semicolons are much more frequently used than colons between independent clauses. Of course, the period (full stop) is the most frequently used. The other punctuation marks (semicolon, colon) should be used selectively and with discretion.
- edu/engagement/2/1/44 / Semicolons are much more frequently used than colons between independent clauses.
- Of course, the period (full stop) is the most frequently used.
- The other punctuation marks (semicolon, colon) should be used selectively and with discretion.
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4 Answers
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Here is a useful paper on the subject: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/2/1/44/
Semicolons are much more frequently used than colons between independent clauses. Of course, the period (full stop) is the most frequently used. The other punctuation marks (semicolon, colon) should be used s
Semicolons are much more frequently used than colons between independent clauses. Of course, the period (full stop) is the most frequently used. The other punctuation marks (semicolon, colon) should be used s
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Yes, I saw that page before. However, I also saw this page, stating that colons can be used if the second clause is directly related to the first clause. http://www.grammarly.com/handbook/punctuation/colon/2/colon-between-independent-clauses/
But wha
But wha
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I generally avoid colons as punctuation between independent clauses.
It is safer to use a semicolon and not worry about it.
Colons are common in titles and subtitles. Here is a well-known example:
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Different publications have different style guides. If you will
It is safer to use a semicolon and not worry about it.
Colons are common in titles and subtitles. Here is a well-known example:
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Different publications have different style guides. If you will
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GramerFreekYes, I saw that page before. However, I also saw this page, stating that colons can be used if the second clause is directly related to the first clause. http://www.grammarly.com/handbook/punctuation/colon/2/colon-between-independent-
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