Question

When and how do you use : and ;

Answer 1

Explanation:

Please do not use "and/or" in either formal or informal writing. In common English, the "or" is a "non-exclusive or" which means "either A or B, or A and B". When I say "I can have a banana OR I can have coffee" then I am also OK with having both. Having a banana does not prevent me from having coffee.

Answer 2

Answer:

Semicolon (;) : A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Ex. We visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore in the spring Germany; France, and Italy in the summer.

Ex. We had too many fumbles; we lost the game.

Colon (:) : You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first.

Ex. He was going to buy three things: chairs, tables, and utensils.