Two questions about grammar

[exednyc]

1. Can you give me a talisman to distinguish between the use of a colon, a comma and a semicolon in a sentence?

2. Should the first letter of a word (immediately) following a colon in a sentence be capitalized?

Thanks

[exednyc]

Wasleys:

If you get a moment to spare, could you answer the questions listed above?

Thannks!

[Erin]

1. Can you give me a talisman to distinguish between the use of a colon, a comma and a semicolon in a sentence

Semi-colons are the easiest. Just remember: full sentence after a semi-colon. (In most cases.)

Do you have a specific question about commas and colons?

2. Should the first letter of a word (immediately) following a colon in a sentence be capitalized?
Thanks

If it's a complete sentence, you may. However, since it's optional, you may wish to use lower case all the time. You might want to ask your instructor what she or he prefers.

[exednyc]

Hey Erin:

Thanks.

Isn't ":" a colon? From your answer above it appears you're referring to it as a "semi-colon".

Also, I don't have any instructors. I have spoken English since birth and am now 30 years old! It's just that, from time to time I have doubts about some aspects of usage. I like to hear some professional advice, that's all.

My question about semi-colons: When do you use a semi-colon and not a colon in a sentence? [I'm aware of the general adage of equating a "change in thought" with the use of a semi-colon; what is the rationale for using a colon?].

Thanks for your time.

[Erin]

Isn't ":" a colon? From your answer above it appears you're referring to it as a "semi-colon".

Which part? There are some similarities between the two, beyond the physical.

My question about semi-colons: When do you use a semi-colon and not a colon in a sentence? [I'm aware of the general adage of equating a "change in thought" with the use of a semi-colon; what is the rationale for using a colon?].

It might be good to separate the discussion into two parts--mechanics and style. I've been discussing mechanics. After a semicolon, you should have a full sentence. Like this:

STC; STC

Amy likes rice; Max does not.

In other words, semicolons can join two (or more) sentences, much as a conjunction would:

STC CONJ STC

Amy likes rice, but Max does not.

Does this point make sense?

Colons have more to do with style and meaning than do semicolons (at least in my opinion and in my writing). They are used to emphasize what comes after them.

I wanted only one thing while I was standing in the cold, waiting for the bus: a good book to comfort me.

Something like that.

A lot of people will tell you different things about commas, and probably even semicolons and colons, just to let you know. You can decide for yourself what and whom to believe.

[exednyc]

"...What and whom to believe". LOL! [It certainly won't be Proust!]

Thanks a lot though, for taking the time out to write that up!