Semicolons (;)

Use a semicolon to separate twomain clauses not joined by acoordinating conjunction: Those who write clearly have readers; those who write obscurely have commentators. We can also use a semicolon to separate main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb(such as however, consequently, otherwise, moreover, nevertheless): A great many people may think that they are thinking; however, most are merely rearranging their prejudices.Basically, a semicolon (whether followed by a conjunctive adverb or not) serves to coordinate two main clauses.

Colons (:)

Use a colon to set off a summary or a seriesafter a complete main clause: It is time for the baby's birthday party: a white cake, strawberry-marshmellow ice cream, and a bottle of champagne saved from another party. (Joan Didion) Notice that a main clause does not have to follow the colon; however, a complete main clause generally should precede it.

Model 1:
Levin wanted friendship and got friendliness; he wanted steak and they offered Spam.
(Bernard Malamud, A New Life)
Guideline: Use a semicolon to separate two main clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Model 2:
Your essay is both good and original; however, the part that is good is not original, and the part that is original is not good.
Guideline: Use a semicolon to separate main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb.

Model 3:
There are three choices in this life: be good, get good, or give up. (Dr. Gregory House, House, M.D.)
Guideline: Use a colon to set off a summary or a series after a complete main clause.

Taken from: Grammarabout.com

Complete each sentence with a colon or a semi- colon.

<= 1 / 10 =>

  1. Three countries are involved in the discussions ___ however, only Mexico and Canada will sign the treaty immediately.
  2. ?colon (:)
  3. ?semi-colon (;)
  4. Java ___ a popular programming language for the World Wide Web.
  5. ?colon (:)
  6. ?semi-colon (;)
  7. The USA has a very large land area ___ Canada is even larger.
  8. ?colon (:)
  9. ?semi-colon (;)
  10. If you get lost in the snow, this is what you should do ___ stay where you are, make yourself warm and comfortable and wait for help.
  11. ?colon (:)
  12. ?semi-colon (;)
  13. There are two things about him that drive me crazy ___ his music and his cooking.
  14. ?colon (:)
  15. ?semicolon (;)
  16. This is what I told him ___ "Buy yourself a bicycle, so that you don't have to borrow mine!"
  17. ?colon (:)
  18. ?semi-colon (;)
  19. Young-Hee failed her English test ___ nevertheless, she was able to get a good job.
  20. ?colon (:)
  21. ?semi-colon (;)
  22. I took my umbrella ___ it looked like it was going to rain.
  23. ?colon (:)
  24. ?semi-colon (;)
  25. I bring everything I need to class every day ___ my pens, my books and my dictionary.
  26. ?colon (:)
  27. ?semi-colon (;)
  28. I had lamb for lunch ___ Fred had steak.
  29. ?colon (:)
  30. ?semi-colon (;)

Taken from: UVCS study zone