Colons vs Semicolons

Common mistakes made when using a colon include:

1. Using a colon after a verb: A colon should not be used directly after a verb in a sentence.

2. Overusing colons: Using colons excessively can make the writing seem choppy and disrupt the flow of the text.

3. Using a colon instead of a semicolon: Colons and semicolons have different purposes, and using them interchangeably can result in incorrect punctuation.

Semicolons and Complex Lists

• Use a semicolon to separate items in a series that is also using commas

  • I have lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Oliver Springs, Tennessee; and Knoxville, Tennessee.

     

  • I have to complete the following errands: go to Walmart and buy cookies, balloons, and popsicles; get my hair cut; and take my dog to the vet for her shots, get her nails trimmed, and buy her vitamins. 

Using Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs

Combine independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs
Use a semicolon before such conjunctive adverbs as "then," "however," "thus," "therefore," "hence," "accordingly," "moreover," "nevertheless," "consequently," "besides," "indeed," and "subsequently"; then, place a comma after the adverb.

• She studied hard for the exam; therefore, she was able to ace it.

• He wanted to go to the concert; however, he had to work late.

• The project was due today; thus, she stayed up all night to finish it.

Some common mistakes students make when using semicolons include:

1. Using semicolons to join an independent clause with a dependent clause, which requires a comma instead.

2. Overusing semicolons, which can disrupt the flow of the writing and make it seem choppy.

3. Incorrectly using semicolons in lists, especially when the items in the list do not require the use of semicolons.