The colon is sometimes used between complete sentences where the period would indicate too long a pause, and the semicolon too short a pause.
Examples:—It was a dark and dreary night: the wind was blowing in fitful gusts.
It is over: let us go.
Semicolon [;].—When two clauses are united by either of the conjunctions for, but, and, or an equivalent word—the one clause perfect in itself, and the other added as a matter of inference, contrast or explanation—they are separated by a semicolon.
Example:—Economy is no disgrace; for it is better to live on a little than to outlive a great deal.
A semicolon is placed between two or more parts of a sentence when these, or any of them, are divisible by a comma into smaller portions.
Example:—Men are not to be judged by their looks, habits, and appearances; they should be judged by the character of their lives and conversations, and by their works.
When in a series of expressions the particulars depend on a commencing or concluding portion of the sentence, they should be separated from each other by a semicolon if laid down as distinct propositions or of a compound nature.
Example:—Philosophers assert that Nature is unlimited in her operations; that she has inexhaustible treasures in reserve; that knowledge will always be progressive; and that all future generations will continue to make discoveries of which we have not the slightest idea.
When several short sentences follow one another, slightly connected in sense or in construction, they should be separated by a semicolon.