Semicolons and colons

One of the punctuation issues that recurr most often involves the use of semicolons. This matters because - the way a semicolon functions - if one uses a semicolon where a comma or colon are needed, it creates a sentence fragment, which is a grammatical misdeed of the most heinous order.

I like semicolons and don't want to discourage their use - so check out the Oatmeal's humorous exploration of semicolons - they have the grammar right.

Also, check out a less funny but equally useful comparison contrast explanation of semicolons vs. colons at Xavier University's Writing Center website.