Punctuation

Difference between a Comma and a Semicolon

Let us find out how a semicolon differs from a comma by going through the table given below.

Comma Semicolon

 A comma is used to separate different items  A semicolon is used to separate

in a list. different lists of items in a sentence.

 A comma can be used to separate phrases  A semicolon can be used to separate

and also to separate a phrase and a clause. two clauses.

 A comma indicates a short pause.  A semicolon indicates a pause longer

than a comma, but shorter than a full
stop.

 For example: Monica, Rachel, Phoebe,  For example: I like mangoes; my

Chandler, Joey and Ross are my favourite brother likes apples.
characters.

1. Use of semi colon

A semicolon is generally used in writing when you want to indicate a longer pause. In addition to
this, there are various other functions. Let us take a look at each of them.

a) It can be used to separate different sets of items mentioned in a sentence.

b) It can be used to separate two independent clauses that do not have a coordinating conjunction
linking them together. One way to check if you are doing it right is by substituting the
semicolon with a full stop and checking if the two clauses are complete and make sense.

c) It can further be used before a conjunctive adverb in a compound sentence

 Place a semicolon in the correct place for the following sentences. Each sentence has at least
one colon.
a) Gowtham will be travelling to Spain Germany Japan and Russia.
b) Keerthi Suresh has done several movies ‘Nadigayar Thilakam’ is one of her best
movies.
c) We had many options however we went with the first one we saw.
d) The last date was on Friday therefore we could not enrol ourselves for the
international conference.
e) I will be coming home by then I will pick you up.
f) Last week all my friends surprised me by coming to my office.
g) In the meantime we looked around for a walking stick.
h) Whatever you want to do do it wholeheartedly.
i) Though it was raining Rahul and Akash went on the road trip they had planned.
j) It was late so we decided to stay at our friend’s place.

2. Use of colon
A colon is used in a sentence for the following reasons:

 To introduce or state a point,

 To present a list of items, a tabular column and text,
 In citations and biblical references,
 In dialogue writing, to quote the speaker’s words,
 To draw attention to nouns and noun phrases, examples and quotations etc.
 To mention the time of the day and ratios.

Examples of the Use of Colon in Sentences

To help you understand a little more clearly, here are a few examples. Check them out and try to
analyse how it is being used.

Example 1: Lists/Series

a. A sentence has two parts and they are:

 Subject

 Predicate

b. The ingredients for the dish are: potatoes, onions, mushrooms, pepper powder, turmeric
powder and salt.
 Example 2: Dialogue Writing

Teacher: Good morning, children.

Students: Good morning, Ma’am.
Teacher: Have you all completed the work I had given you yesterday?
Students: Yes Ma’am.

Example 3: Time

 The meeting will start at 11:30 a.m. sharp.

 The train is at 6:45 p.m.

Example 4: Biblical References, Titles and Citations

 Matthew 20:28 says, “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…”
 ‘The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference’ by Malcolm Gladwell
is a best-seller.

Example 5: Mathematical Expressions

 The ratio of milk to water is 1:3.

Example 6: Before Nouns/Noun Phrases, Examples, Quotations

 I have what every human being needs: caring friends and a loving family.
 For example: Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Portugal
 This is just like what Shakespeare once said: “There is nothing either good or bad, but
thinking makes it so”.

3. Practice: Insert colons where most appropriate in the following sentences.

a) Barry wanted to know why I didn’t respond to his text I hadn’t received it.
b) The time now is 15 30 p.m.
c) There are two choices at this time run away or fight.
d) The main character in the movie said “Play harder. Work harder.”
e) The town reminded me of my childhood vacations both were on the beach.
f) We knew who would win the game the Eagles.
g) He wanted to see three cities in Italy Rome, Florence, and Maine.
h) The students who have enrolled for the competition are

 Anurag

 Ashish

 Binsha

 Devi

 Harish

 Irene

 Preethi

i) She went to great lengths to emphasize this “Kindness never fades.”

j) The ratio of girls to boys this year is 4 6.
k) The world is a stage play your role well.
l) This house has everything I need two bedrooms, a backyard, and a garage.
m) Mrs. Morris preaches this concept “Second place is first loser.”
n) Ashbourn, J. (2014) Biometrics in the new world : the cloud, mobile technology and
pervasive identity. 2nd edn. London: Springer
o) He cares for no one he is the epitome of selfish.
p) I have several favourite genres of movies drama, science fiction, and mystery.