Use a semicolon between independent clauses in a sentence if they are not joined by and, but, or, nor, for, yet.
Our parents settled the argument for us; they took us to see a rodeo in a nearby town.
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by such words as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, otherwise, therefore, however, consequently, instead, hence.
She was beautiful;therefore, everyone loved her.
The baby was cute; however, her feet were huge.
A semicolon may be needed to separate the independent clauses of a compound sentence if there are commas within the clauses.
A tall, skinny dog entered the large, drafty doghouse; and a short, fat, yellow dog followed it.
Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions like as follows, or the following.
These are the winners of the spelling bee: Ronald McDonald, Ann Taylor, Bob Hope, George Bush, and Ellen Smith.
Use a colon between the hour and the minute when you write the time and after the salutation of a business letter.
4:00
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