The Proper use of Punctuation

Answer

The Proper use of Punctuation
Question 3. What is the difference between a semi colon, a colon, and a dash? Write an original sentence with the correct use of each.
Semicolons, colons and dashes can be easily misunderstood if the user does not understand how to effectively utilize them in a sentence. Notably, the three punctuation marks are utilized when indicating a break or pause within a sentence. However, it is evident that the punctuation marks are not always used interchangeably. The major focus of this paper is to explore the differences between a semicolon, colon and a dash.
Semicolon (;)
A semicolon refers to a punctuation mark which is utilized to separate the major elements of a sentence. The semicolon is similar to a comma which is defined by a period above it. A semicolon is utilized to create a separation between thoughts (Camp & Satterwhite, 2019). The addressed punctuation mark can be utilized in different ways. For instance, a semicolon is implemented in cases where listed items are to be separated while some of them already have commas. With this, it becomes simpler for a reader to understand the number of items available in the list after the semicolon groups them together. For example, I bought black rubber boots; large, green pants; and two bangles. Also, semicolons can be used to join sentences. Semicolons can be utilized to join or separate two independent clauses. In this case, it becomes simpler for a reader to understand that a close relationship exists between the two clauses. This can be illustrated in the sentence below:
I bought several fruits; mangoes, apples, strawberries and oranges were on sale.
Colon (:)
It is a fact that semicolons are utilized between two independent clauses. However, this is not the case for colons. Notably, colons are used after independent clauses and can also be used to attract attention to an idea being communicated or join two ideas presented. Camp and Satterwhite (2019) mention that colons can be used to direct a reader’s attention to a list, introduce an idea, or in a noun phrase. Additionally, colons are implemented in joining sentences. In this case, the colon is implemented to connect two sentences in the events whereby the second sentence provides a summary of the first or explains it further. In this case, it is evident that both sentences are complete with their content being closely associated. This is illustrated in the sentence below:
Life is defined by a set of puzzles: one must always explore it to understand what it holds.
Dash (-)
A dash is a punctuation utilized in events when one needs an interruption. Camp and Satterwhite (2019) reiterate this by outlining that dashes are used when interjecting something, mainly with an aim of drawing more attention to it. Moreover, a dash can also be used when one needs to clarify or provide an explanation to something without being so formal as to use a colon. Therefore, unlike a colon, a dash is used as a less formal means of explaining and clarifying an idea. Moreover, dashes can also be implemented as an alternative punctuation option which can be used in place of a comma or a parenthesis. Similar to commas, dashes can also be utilized in pairs as a means of including a clause in a sentence. The sentence below provides an illustration of how a dash can be used in a sentence:
The whole family members – with the exception of the father – accepted the new bride.
In this case it is clear that dashes are utilized as a way of separating words into statements which could fall into parenthesis.