Colon and semicolon are confusing punctuation marks in English grammar and some time student get stuck to choose correct one. In this article student will learn about correct use of semicolon.

We use semicolon to connect two independent clauses to show a relationship between them. In simple words we use semicolon to join two statements which are linked in meaning.

When to use a semicolon in a sentence:

We use semicolon when we want to make a pause to put emphasis on following statement e.g.

• The coconut tree gives us oil; it provides us food; it gives us rope and many other things.

When two phrases are interrelated in meanings, we use semicolon e.g.

• When there is pin-drop silence; no noise and disturbance, then this time is perfect for study.
• Jane always has a stick with her; she is afraid of dogs.

Sometime both punctuation marks, colon and semicolon, are used together in a single sentence as in sentence given below:

• There are four fruits on the table: one is an apple; second is an orange; third is an apricot; and last is a banana. 

Hope you have learned a lot about use of semicolon. Stay connected for happy learning.