Colons (:) vs. Semicolons (;)
When are colons (:) and semicolons (;) most commonly used?
COLONS
- A colon (:) is used to introduce a list or further expand on an idea after a complete sentence.
- Example of LIST: Students should come to class with three things: a textbook, a notebook, and a pen.
- Example of EXPANDED IDEA: He got what he worked for: a promotion that paid a higher wage.
SEMICOLONS
- A semicolon (:) is used to join two related complete sentences.
- Example: There is normally traffic on Main Street; I recommend that you take First Street instead.
Fun Fact!
The punctuation marks in sentences let us know how long of a pause we need to take when reading that information!
The ending punctuation of a sentence (period, question mark, or exclamation point) normally requires the longest pause. Colons have the next longest pause, followed by semicolons. Commas indicate a very brief pause.
Colon and Semicolon Rules
The chart below provides more examples of how to properly use colons and semicolons.
| Rules | Examples | Quick Tips |
|---|---|---|
|
Use a semicolon to join 2 complete sentences that are related to one another |
I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life’s too short for counting calories. My little brother refuses to go to bed early; he is afraid he will miss something. There was a strong wind at the beach; we managed to have a good time anyway. |
In these cases, you should be able to replace the semicolon with a period and have two complete sentences! |
|
Use a semicolon with 2complete sentences when using a *conjunctive adverb* to separate them |
Claire ate lamb for dinner; however, it tasted undercooked. The cat ate a bowlful of tuna; then, to the squirrels’ delight, the fat feline fell asleep in the rocking chair. Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble. |
The format for this type of sentence is as follows: Independent clause; conjunctive adverb, independent clause. SEE BELOW |
|
Use a semicolon to clarify a list of items when each item contains punctuation within itself |
I have visited multiple American cities, including Dallas, Texas; New York, New York; and Orlando, Florida. On my trip, I met John, the baker; Julie, the teacher; and Jeff, the mechanic. I bought shiny,red apples; small, sweet grapes; and firm, fresh pears. |
If you want to list multiple items that include commas, such as locations or objects with descriptions, you may separate these items with semicolons. |
|
Use a colon to further explain something |
Jenny had an idea: she would pick up the cake on the way to her friend’s house. A dolphin is not a fish: it is a warm-blooded mammal. The teacher shouted: “I will not ask you again to sit down and be quiet.” |
You may also provide further explanation with the use of a quotation (see the third example for this concept). |
|
Use a colon to introduce a list |
The Thanksgiving dinner consisted of many traditional dishes: ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. The class had three high-performing students: Maria, Daniel, and Brooke. Her essay has three main sections: introduction, main body, and conclusion. |
There should be a complete sentence before the use of the colon and the list of items. |
| Use a colon with ratios, titles and subtitles of books, city and publisher in bibliographies, hours and minutes, and formal letters |
Her carbohydrate to protein intake is 3:1. Oliver Twist:The Parish Boy’s Progress New York: Norton, 2013 He ate dinner at precisely 7:43. Dear Dean Finkelstein: |
Note about Conjunctive Adverbs
*Conjunctive adverbs are used to connect two clauses by demonstrating a relationship between these two ideas. For example, this can be done to show cause and effect, sequences, contrasts, or comparisons. Some conjunctive adverbs include:
|
Accordingly |
Additionally |
Also |
Anyway |
Besides |
Certainly |
|
Comparatively |
Consequently |
Conversely |
Elsewhere |
Equally |
Finally |
|
Further |
Furthermore |
Hence |
Henceforth |
However |
In addition |
|
In comparison |
In contrast |
Incidentally |
Indeed |
Instead |
Likewise |
|
Meanwhile |
Moreover |
Namely |
Nevertheless |
Next |
Nonetheless |
|
Now |
Otherwise |
Rather |
Similarly |
Still |
Subsequently |
|
Then |
Thereafter |
Therefore |
Thus |
Undoubtedly |
Yet |