keannu
VIP Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2010
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Korean
- Home Country
- South Korea
- Current Location
- South Korea
The following are the rules for semicolon and colon that look quite similar. I can't tell the difference exactly. Either of the examples seems like emphasis. So how do you tell the difference? And are these rules quite strict?
Use a semicolon to join 2 independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis.
ex)Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel around town; streets have become covered with bulldozers, trucks, and cones.
Use a colon to join 2 independent clauses when you wish to emphasize the second clause.
ex)Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel around town: parts of Main, Fifth, and West Street are closed during the construction.
Use a semicolon to join 2 independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis.
ex)Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel around town; streets have become covered with bulldozers, trucks, and cones.
Use a colon to join 2 independent clauses when you wish to emphasize the second clause.
ex)Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel around town: parts of Main, Fifth, and West Street are closed during the construction.