Use Of Colon & Semicolon?

SEMICOLONS


1. Use a semicolon ( to join two independent clauses that are closely related.



I grew up wanting to become a Marine Corps Officer; I wanted to become the best.


2. Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb. Place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. Conjunctive adverbs include: therefore, however, nevertheless, consequently, in fact, moreover, in addition.



I felt I had to continue the Marine tradition; therefore, I enrolled at The Citadel.


3. Use a semicolon to separate a series with internal punctuation.



During the holidays, I love to send out greeting cards; shop for my brothers, sisters, and cousins; and eat out frequently at restaurants.

COLONS


1. Use a colon ( to introduce a list that comes at the end of a sentence.



I looked at my brother anew over the holidays. I noticed several things: his compassion, his sense of humor, and his outgoing personality.


2. Use a colon to introduce one or more sentences quoted from speech or writing.



In the opening of his novel Scaramouche, Raphael Sabatini describes his hero: "He was born with the gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad."


Use a colon to introduce a long example or explanation related to something just mentioned.



The animals have a good many of our practical skills: some insects make pretty fair architects, and beavers know a great deal about engineering.

Phoenix, Excellent links. Just one minor quibble. A full sentence that follows a colon gets a capital letter. "...skills: Some insects make ..."