use of semicolon " ; " and colon " : "

Question

Can someone explain use of semicolon " ; " and colon " : " in GMAT?

GetThisDone · Answer

Hi,

GMAT usually does not test punctuation directly. But it is always good. Below are some examples of how they are used.

Semi-colons : they are used to either separate two related clauses in a sentence or in lists. It is not used in lists as often though.

E.g.: The event is to feature three speakers: Smith, a logistics expert; Thomas, a marketing guru; and Underwood, the firm's CEO.

colon : can be used either to introduce something that follows logically or to introduce a list or to introduce a quote.

E.g.: The event is to feature four speakers: Jim, Jack, Thomas and Underwood.

Abhii46 · Answer

If you can get a copy of MGMAT SC book, you can read from that. It has got very good explanation on this topic.

01dynamic · Answer

Mohan: Thank you for the explanation....

preetamsaha · Answer

2 primary usages for the colon:

1) to connect two independent clauses, where the second clause is an explanation of the first. 
Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose is a culinary wonderland: a mere two-block walk leads past ethiopian, korean, japanese, irish, thai, italian, and spanish restaurants.

2) to follow an independent clause with a word, phrase, or list (not a clause) explaining, specifying, or clarifying the material of the original clause. 
A complete weather station reading contains five elements: temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and wind direction.

MoulikaSaxena · Answer

Hi Preetam

Could you also use a semi colon in that first example? Why not?

Abhishek009 · Answer

https://eslgrammar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Colon-and-semicolon-1-680x350.jpg Source : https://eslgrammar.org/

VerbalBot · Answer

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use of semicolon " ; " and colon " : "

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