student asking question

In what circumstances can I use ":" and ";" in the sentence?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Honestly, it isn't common to use a colon and a semicolon in the same sentence; however, we can use them in the same sentence. A colon (:) is usually used when introducing a list, phrase, or word. Ex: I plan to get supplies for the party tonight: cups, plates, hotdogs, hotdog buns, ketchup, and drinks. Ex: We are going all over Europe this summer: Spain, England, France, Sweden, Germany.... A semicolon (;) is used to combine two independent clauses. The semicolon shows a relationship between the two clauses. Ex: He loves her so much; he would never try to hurt her. Ex: We came up with something; something extraordinary. Using a colon and a semicolon in the same sentence changes the use of them. To use a colon and a semicolon together, the (:) in the sentence has to introduce something while the (;) separates what is listed. Ex: She has been worldwide: London, England; Seoul, South Korea; Tokyo, Japan; Sao Paolo, Brazil; and Auckland, New Zealand. Ex: Martin Luther King Jr. had many famous quotes: injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere; the time is always right to do something right; only in the darkness can you see the stars.

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