Post edited 2:08 pm - 19/10/2009 by Rook

COLON
Use the colon when you want to indicate the continuation of an idea - i.e., when the second part of a sentence is directly related to the first.

Examples:

The scooter is available in three colors: red, black, and metallic
grey.

To succeed, we must fulfill one important condition: we must remain united even under the most difficult circumstances.

SEMICOLON
Use the semicolon when you want to add a secondary (but related) idea within the same sentence.

A semicolon can be used to connect two independent clauses within the same sentence (note: the same function can be performed by a conjunction like "and"):
Examples:

She was tired; she had no intention of attending the conference.

Our supplies had run out; we had no option but to surrender.

A semicolon can be used to separate comma-groups within a sentence.
Examples:

The meetings were held on July 17, 2002; January 02, 2004; and October 07, 2005.

The three candidates entered the following choices: a, c, and d; b, c, and c; and a, c, and b.