In this tutorial, we learn how to use colons and semicolons. You will use a colon when the second sentence is explaining a 'why' of the first sentence. You will use a semicolon when the second sentence is adding more to the first sentence, not explaining it. You can also use a colon when you are writing a long list and the sentence can't stand alone. Use a semicolon to separate two sentences that can stand independently. Knowing the difference between when to use these punctuations can mean the difference of having a great paper and a poor written paper. Remember to use these appropriately and you will have success!