semicolon vs. Colon

Semicolons are so existential.

• What is a colon and why should I use one?
  • A colon looks like : and is used to set up anticipation for the second part of a sentence.
    • I have many New Year’s resolutions: use colons correctly, use semicolons correctly, and lose twenty pounds.
      
  • Using a colon adds drama to a sentence as it puts the topic at the end and creates suspense
    • Ice cream is my only love in this world. (OK)
      
    • I only have one love in this world: ice cream. (Surprise!)
      
• How do I use a colon?
  • Colons should always be used after an independent clause
    • My favorite hobby is: thinking about grammar. (wrong)
      
    • I only have one favorite hobby: thinking about grammar. (correct)
      
• What is a semicolon?
  • A semicolon looks like ; and is used to connect two independent clauses.
    • I always have many New Year’s resolutions; I never achieve any of them.
      
  • While a colon can connect an independent clause and a dependent clause (I have only one love in this world: ice cream.), a semicolon MUST connect two independent clauses
    • I have only one love in this world; ice cream. (wrong)
      
    • I love ice cream; I could eat it every day. (correct)
      
• Why would you use a semicolon rather than a period?
  • You can connect two short, related sentences with a semicolon rather than a period if you think they are too choppy to stand on their own or if you want to draw attention to the relationship between them.
    • I made a cake last week; it tasted awful.
      
  • However, you can also use a period or a comma to the same effect.
    • I made a cake last week. It tasted awful.
      
    • I made a cake last week, and it tasted awful.
      
  • Basically, semicolons are useful if you want to mix things up.
    
• Fun fact! The colon made its debut in 1550, while the semicolon didn’t roll up until 1644.