Choosing the right punctuation for the right purpose is an essential part of writing. In order to do so, you must know the differences between the Colon and the Semicolon. There are several different uses for the two punctuation marks.
Examples of each punctuation mark
Using punctuation marks in your writing can make a big difference. It is important to use them correctly, so readers can understand what you are saying. They also add a sense of cadence and clarity to your writing.
There are fourteen punctuation marks in the English language. They include the period, question mark, ellipsis, exclamation point, hyphen, dashes, parentheses, brackets, colon, and semi-colons. Each one of these punctuation marks has a specific function.
The period is the most commonly used punctuation mark. It ends declarative sentences, such as statements and lists. It also works as an abbreviation mark.
There are other punctuation marks that are difficult to use. These include the semi-colon and the slash. They can make your writing look like it’s written in code. This is why some editors prefer using an apostrophe on the symbols.
Commas are not sufficient to join independent clauses
Using a comma isn’t the only way to join independent clauses. There are several types of conjunctions to consider, including the subordinating conjunction and the coordinating conjunction.
The coordinating conjunction is a useful tool to help you make sense of your sentences. For example, if you are making a general two-part date, the coordinating conjunction can help you know which year to include. It also helps you recognize how large a number is.
A comma is a useful signal to tell your reader that you are separating the subject from the predicate. This tells them to pause for a moment before reading the rest of the sentence. A comma is also used to mark off groups of three digits.
A parenthetical relative clause is a prepositional phrase that is interjected between the subject and predicate. These prepositional phrases are useful to signal the address of someone like Grandpa.
Capitalization after a colon can cause a lot of mistakes
Using a colon as a citation mark is not a new idea. But, capitalizing after a colon can be a clumsy move, and can lead to some major grammar blunders.
The colon is often used for its namesake: separating the title of a book from its subtitle. It is also used to introduce a numbered or bulleted list. The colon is also a useful citation mark in formal letters.
One of the biggest mistakes people make in using a colon is following it with a pointless hyphen. This is especially true when using the colon to introduce multiple sentences. It is a good idea to use the colon only when the sentence it introduces is more important than the one it follows. The colon is not only a useful citation mark, it also teaches readers to read to the right.
Comma splice error
Comma splice error in grammar is when a writer uses a comma in order to join two independent clauses. Unlike dependent clauses, independent clauses are complete thoughts. They include a subject and a verb. They can be a single sentence or a simple phrase.
Comma splices are often used in informal writing. They can be used to emphasize a phrase, or to show closely related concepts or contrasts. They may also be used to create rhetorical effects.
In formal writing, comma splices are considered grammatical errors. They make writing confusing. They can also lead to lower grades and expensive litigation.
To fix a comma splice, the writer can use a period or a semicolon. He or she can also turn part of the sentence into a parenthetical phrase.
Non-restrictive clause or bonus phrases
Whether you are a novice writer or a seasoned pro, you must know the difference between a restrictive clause and a non-restrictive clause. It is important to understand the difference so that you can avoid common mistakes.
A restrictive clause is a sentence element that modifies a noun in an essential way. A non-restrictive clause is a sentence element that is optional in nature and does not need to be included in order for the sentence to be complete.
Restrictive clauses are used to describe nouns antecedents. Non-restrictive clauses provide additional information about a noun. They can also be used to describe nouns that precede a restrictive clause.
A non-restrictive clause is characterized by a single comma and the word who or which. A non-restrictive clause is also often called a nonessential clause.