How to Use Colons and Semicolons in English - English Writing Lesson

[@tryhardjustin5628]

Really useful.I did not know what a semi-colon was before the lesson

[@mansisharma5782]

Sameee

[@강희수-f4z]

I've been reading Pride and prejudice. I was totally stuck in many sentences by semicolon. and finally got here, clearly understood. thank you.

[@강희수-f4z]

​@@yiruma80 안녕하세요, I do know BTS: one of the greatest artist in South Korea. unfortunately Linkinpark is my preference. FYI, I don't know if you would get interested or not, but in case you would, the word 군대 as ARMY in your words, you meant that as the fans of BTS, right? Korean call it just as it pronounced in English. so, "ARMY" in your words equals "아미". "군대" is general meaning of military or army in real.

[@vanhungle9157]

I like how the punctuation usages are divided into two categories in this video: main use and less common use.

[@tursu27]

Only if my childhood teachers could teach this well!

[@prathyushareddy8205]

same

[@Imran-wg1of]

Same

[@shadatishrak1124]

Superb...! Keep it up.. Take love from, Bangladesh..!❤️💓❤️..🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩 Cute teacher and cute understanding method... 🥰🥰

[@samiajaman108]

I have a exam tomorrow n I was confused 🤷🏼‍♀️ but now I have understood it clearly thnx

[@edstaley7211]

You have a very good way of explaining the material in a very easy to understand way. "Genuis is simplifying the complex"....Thank you!!

[@abdiwalikhalif9319]

Ur voice and explanation is very clear and really understandable. Thank u so much dear

[@vincentmasanja789]

Thanks, you often keep me up to date.

[@arkamqatar7541]

done

[@TheKarlito80]

3:59 *Semicolons* -------------------- John is a fast cooker; he has won the best cooker award twice (YES/NO)

[@ZMW266]

Yes

[@dewoewqaddewaeoeo5854]

This could have two meanings. If you use a colon, it means that John is a fast cooker, and that’s why he’s won the cooking award. If you use a semicolon, you’re just relating them. John is a fast cooker, and he’s won a cooking award. I hope you understand what I’m saying.

[@outsidersongs2682]

I think colon?

[@taaddasaasahiluu2371]

You are one of the most memorable teachers I have ever had ........I would like to say thank you but it ain't enough

[@w1sperr_728]

Thanks for this video!I need this to help me with the extra work I'm doing at home.

[@Forthegeoffofthehalsall]

Excellent tuition; very well explained. That’s why I have used a semi colon in between my previous sentence. Great video

[@OctavioPanda]

Guy! I enjoyed this very much. Thanks and keep doing this.

[@muhammaddaniyalmirza4087]

Thanks for this video!I It helped me preparing for my exams

[@amitkumarjha9921]

your way of teaching is superb

[@outsidersongs2682]

That last example was really helpful

[@naziahussain456]

Very nice explanation thank you teacher.

[@thebossarjun]

Thank you so much this was very helpful!

[@stanleyezeogu9816]

Great lesson! I now understand the concept better.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Extremely useful. I watched other videos and completely didn't understand. Here every example made perfect sense. tHanks. (I didn't follow the last three....still, this is a great improvement for me).

[@wessamhamouda5367]

Excellent explanation

[@tocahacks7728]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 it was great 👍🏻

[@Happymejoyus]

very nice explanation with the prefect pace of speaking and pronunciations. Thanks a ton !!

[@anthonia2012]

Hi there, this was a great lesson; thank you for sharing. I do have a question though. At 5.26 -5.29, you said that only some connecting words can be used with a semicolon, and that you should not use a semicolon with connecting words such as: and, or but, and while. However, at 7.35, your example does exactly this. '... Denver; Colorado; Las Vegas; Nevada; and finally Los Angeles in California.' I'm confused, can you please clarify why you used a semi colon before the final 'and' above. Is it not a connecting word there? Thank you.

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi there, your example is using semicolons with a list. In this situation, we can put 'and' before the last item in the list to represent it is the final item. We would not use a connecting word in a sentence like this: 'We knew he was guilty; and there was no evidence.' Here, using 'and' is incorrect. Hope this helps you!

[@anthonia2012]

@@Oxfordonlineenglish1Thank you for replying so quickly and explaining. Clear now! Much appreciated :)

[@neeelayyy]

Best tutorial thank you

[@neeelayyy]

Yeah

[@gaithsaleh7880]

Thank you, I have an exam tommorow and this was one of the topics, I didn't understand it but now I did. Thanks!

[@jericwong8610]

Very clear explanations

[@rushensamarawickrama3886]

This is such a good video 👍👍

[@technicalescola]

You explained it in an appropriate and simple way, it was much easy to understand.

[@LaghmanJanington]

Thank you very much. Now I know how to use colon and semicolon.

[@aneeqajunaid5185]

It is really a helpful vedio .Thank U so much .from Pakistan. 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰😇😇😇😇

[@alieusesay6470]

Wooow! Now i understand everything Thank you very much❤

[@simplistic8186]

This is epic I rlly want my teacher to be this dude

[@kiarabrown829]

Great video!

[@LvcidKitty]

Would it make sense if you replaced the colon with a comma?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi there. Not quite. We have another lesson on punctuation which can help you understand why: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/english-punctuation-guide.

[@LvcidKitty]

@@Oxfordonlineenglish1 Oh okay thank you this helped a lot now I cant write probably when I get to year 9!

[@abdelrahmanmohamed4657]

Your teaching is excellent!!! 👌

[@diasakimbay4023]

Thank u ur voice is not abstruse

[@williamminshall3238]

Thanks

[@vintage_thoughtsx8770]

Thank you ur soo good at explaining

[@ErnestH2023]

A really useful explanation. Thank you. I can't get past "english" without a capital E though!

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Thank you, Jake! As far as our name is concerned, it's part of the logo! Aesthetically, it flows better with lowercase letters on the bottom line. It's a similar situation with other brand names like 'facebook', 'amazon', and 'ebay'. Thanks for watching!

[@NiloSanchez]

Amazing teacher!!

[@chocolatyangel4899]

where would i find complete version of this lesson ?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi there, here is the lesson on the site: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/colons-semicolons.

[@raheemabderraheem8325]

Can we practise English together ?

[@natasha.77]

Your video is very helpful; I appreciate the simplicity of it.

[@bhargaviveeraghattam7636]

Good morning sir. How can we use a semicolon with 'AND' in 8:09 at 2nd sentence last line? Thank you sir

[@istoleyourlatte]

this is the best video that talks about this

[@Vipa567]

Can you use a semi colon more than once?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

In most situations, it's not necessary. However, you will see semicolons more than once if there is a long list in which commas make things confusing.

[@shido_chan6540]

thank you very much .um I have an exam tomorrow >< , but your video save me ^^ I understand everything

[@hamadjalil1122]

shido_ chan I’ve got an exam tomorrow too

[@neeelayyy]

Same

[@MrWindmills]

brilliant explanation!

[@AshishSharma-tr7yl]

These words have always been befuddling to a great extent. Thank you for explaining it in a simpler manner.

[@syedmahmoodrazashah7747]

Well explained.

[@miraculoussimpson6785]

Thank u!!! Now I understand more

[@afsheensohail9390]

Nice video and good explanation

[@sofioali8844]

I would like to say," thank you all the teachers although I had learnt verbs, punctuations and how to write.

[@bricemughogho9721]

Thanks sir for this video. The problem I had have been sorted here.

[@GosokuRyuYodan]

"Has" been. Singular "problem." Plural uses have...

[@GeorgeSPAMTindle]

Unsure as to whether you need to use a full-stop, or to use a comma? The solution is simple; use a semi-colon instead.

[@ferielbeyzekkoub6240]

Hi I enjoyed your video ,but can you please do lesson about hyphens? Thanks 😊 advance

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Thanks for the suggestion, Feriel. We might be able to do that in future. For now, we have another punctuation lesson which might help you: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/english-punctuation-guide.

[@prathyushareddy8205]

wow good explanation

[@mokshkapasi8039]

This was really useful

[@ohsaragfii137]

That was very useful

[@ianexequielameerali1695]

Sir, the colon is used to introduce an explanation for the first clause, right. With that in mind, can i use the colon in these ways? 'He is a great cook: he won a lot of trophies.' and 'I'm having problems carrying my bag: i injured my shoulder last night.'

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

In both of those examples, you should use a semicolon.

[@ianexequielameerali1695]

Sir, I'm still just a bit confused about how i should use a semicolon for the second example. I get that for the first one a semicolon would be best since the second clause isn't really explaining the first, but doesn't the second example have the second clause explaining the first? I'm having trouble carrying my bag because i injured my shoulders.

[@khietbui7821]

I’m having problems carrying my bag; I injured my shoulder last night. The semi colon works like a full stop as he mentioned with a connection between both clauses. You can’t use a colon in that sentence: it must be used to give details of the the first clause. How about, “I’m having problems carrying my bag, because I injured my shoulder last night.” Here you clearly intend to explain to the listener why you are having problems, but you mentioned a sentence that can be mistaken as to your intent of the second clause.

[@amaya7836]

Thanks for uploading this video, Oli.

[@zubairkhan-hz1vz]

Very clearly explained. Comprehensible 👌

[@lynxo5695]

Can I use dashes instead of semicolons?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Good question. You can in some situations. Both of these marks can introduce an additional related part of a sentence. However, a dash is a stronger and more informal mark than a colon. You can learn more about each in this lesson: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/english-punctuation-guide.

[@dockmasterted]

can you tell me why I have been told to write "by:" in front of my signature on documents?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

No idea! Doesn't sound right to me and it's certainly not standard.

[@dockmasterted]

I was told it was a byline to denote authority.

[@fjb0608]

The opinion whether to use colon or comma after "Dear John" is polarized. What I learned from class though is if you're writing for business or anything formal then use Colon. On the other hard, comma for casual email.

[@nednedum4918]

Thanks so much.

[@fade.adebanjo995]

How do u use proper nouns and abstract nouns

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi there. This lesson might help you: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/parts-of-speech.

[@TheKarlito80]

3:06 thx for telling me and this is a *GREAT VIDEO* KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK 👌👍👏

[@WolfeTone66]

Thank you; you were very clear & concise. I hope my punctuation is correct.

[@dewoewqaddewaeoeo5854]

A mistake I realized was about the fact that you said After a salutation, we should use a comma rather than a colon. That is wrong. A colon should be used after a salutation. The video was great expect that. Thank you so much!

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Thanks for watching and sharing your comment! A colon should only be used in a salutation if your letter or email is of the utmost formality. This is usually true of letters coming from a location such as a government agency or other legal entity that does not know you personally. If you're writing an email or letter to anyone you know, that is not demonstrating some sort of formality or authority, you should use a comma. That being said, it's not necessarily an error to use a colon after a salutation, but it is very unusual when the circumstance is not extremely formal. Hopefully that helps you!

[@Anti-socialSocialClub]

Right...I'm going back to change my power point presentation.

[@twotea5476]

Good vid mate

[@sofioali8844]

really it is fantastic oxford English online

[@jaydenstone1318]

what is a full stop?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

It's a period at the end of a sentence: .

[@othellotic]

@@AJ-kg8ef LOL. Don't be so mean.

[@lukesmith262]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@hudaalsaleh381]

So the semi colon is more of clarifying what the problem is whilst the colon is presenting what is the problem,right?

[@TheMrrpn]

Best video ever 💕💕❤️⭐️😎😘😎😁😂👋

[@kiranjeetkaur8364]

Thank you so much sir lt help me a lot

[@sumitmore6722]

Ty

[@josesoldevilla3092]

sir is it possible to add colon when ends with a example "Must have a"

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

What do you mean, Jose? Can you give me the full example of your sentence?

[@htchan5968]

Sir, is there a difference with the use of a comma and a semicolon? If there is, would you mind explaining it?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi there, this lesson might help you: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/commas.

[@alibrahimkk4601]

Just I like it

[@brandonpotter4641]

Here's a question for ya! In this passage, would the punctuation after 'football' be a colon or a semicolon? And would the punctuation after 'stretching' be a semicolon or a comma? As a preschooler and early grade-schooler, my parents tried to get me to play almost every sport except for football; my team won a little league baseball championship, but I didn’t like it; I played a season of basketball in which I don’t think I scored a single point; I quit after the first day of both soccer and karate, because I didn’t have the fortitude to withstand their respective running and stretching, etc. I would think that the one after 'football' would be a colon, but there were other sports not mentioned in the list, so to me, that would mean a colon is not appropriate. As for the one after 'stretching,' it seems unnecessary to use a semicolon to introduce 'etc.' Would you agree? All helps is appreciated! :)

[@jamesdante6139]

what's your website sir? Tnk u and God bless

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi James. Here is a link to our website: www.oxfordonlineenglish.com.

[@epaminondasscuccato9248]

It's a nice class! You did well! By the way, would you tell me which dictionary is recommended about explaining the correct use of prepositions accordingly the verbs. For example: "Did you help him from the danger?" or "Did you help him of the danger?" ; "I support you on your travel?" or "I support you in your travel?" I need it 'cause it's a little bit hard for us, English learner, to know exactly which preposition we must use for certain verbs. What's the best dictionary would you recommend?

[@Lymedin2010]

Can we say this? We traveled to four cities: Santa Fe in New Mexico, Denver in Colorado, Las Vegas in Nevada, and finally Los Angeles in California.

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Yes, Jack. Thanks for watching!

[@bunyinjbhadi7212]

You can also use colons as Prepositional Phrases and place them before a Noun.

[@vivaronaldo3243]

Thanks ♥️

[@swaseem5432]

thank you so much

[@nasnas5740]

Really useful Thanks you very much, Oli^^.

[@rhodaruguru5457]

So how do you punctuate this Only one nagging problem remained to be solved transport

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

You are introducing a specific example of 'transport', so you want to use a colon: 'Only one nagging problem remained to be solved: transport'. The answer is in Part 1 of this lesson! www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/colons-semicolons

[@rhodaruguru5457]

@@Oxfordonlineenglish1 thank you

[@cmb.]

thank you! :)

[@imonhasan9345]

Sir can you help me? In the example we knew he was guilty : there was no evidence however I don't understand can you like also put a colon?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi Imon, good question. Here, 'there was no evidence' is a result of him being guilty, so we use a colon. Use colons for results or reasons like the one here.

[@lostwarrior4206]

Should we put colon after the word "like"? For example, answer the questions like who are you?, where do you live? And pls also tell me if i have mistakes in these sentences

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi Ziya. Yes, if we are introducing a list, we can use a colon before the list and after words like 'such as,' 'like' and so on.

[@lostwarrior4206]

@@Oxfordonlineenglish1 thank you so much

[@miladtoma1108]

co-lawn

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

/'kəʊlɒn/

[@cheerypilot3143]

Amazing work, keep it up, tomorrow is my English exam and now I am prepared. Thankyou ❤

[@sassykulturesurridge5885]

Where is hjs accents from Polish?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi there. Oli has a British accent.

[@minidrone9226]

I found this helpful; I also think your voice is nice. (How did I do?)

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Good! Thanks for watching!

[@tinamisanmatthewaceangelog2368]

Excuse me, but I think colons can be used for salutation in a formal or business letter; however, you mentioned in your video that we shouldn't use it in writing a letter. Am I misinformed or something else?

[@Oxfordonlineenglish1]

Hi Matthew, there are some situations where you can use a colon in a formal letter, however, it's very rare. It's much more common to use a comma. Hope that helps!