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Many people use the wrong punctuation marks when writing.
For example, the colon and semicolon are possibly the most misunderstood and misused punctuation marks in English grammar.
Both punctuation marks help to improve sentence structures but in different ways. A colon is used to introduce information, while a semicolon is used to connect two sentences.
In this article, we’ll look at all the different uses of the colon and semicolon with example sentences for each.
Semicolon vs Colon Symbols
A colon is a punctuation mark that looks like two periods on top of each other (:), while a semicolon looks like a period on top of a comma (;).
Both a colon and semicolon show a pause in a sentence. However, they do this in different ways.
A colon is used to introduce information like a quotation or list. A semicolon is used to separate two related independent clauses.
When to Use a Semicolon
A semicolon is used to connect two related sentences. Here are three ways you can use a semicolon to join two sentences.
1) To join two independent clauses
- Jamie really likes cheese; it may be her favorite food on Earth.
In the case above, the two sentences could easily stand on their own with a period placed at the end of each sentence. However, since the ideas in the clauses are so closely related, you can use a semicolon instead.
2) To join two independent clauses separated by a transitional phrase or conjunctive adjective
- Harvey is a good driver; moreover, he is a friendly one.
You can use a semicolon instead of a period between independent clauses joined by transitional phrases or conjunctive adjectives. Some examples of transitional phrases are after all, as a result, and even so. Some examples of conjunctive adjectives are accordingly, finally, moreover, and likewise.
3) To separate items in a list
Semicolons can also separate items in a serial list. The items in a serial list are complex and already have commas in their descriptions.
If you used more commas to separate the items listed, it would create confusion, so a semicolon is a better option. The semicolon helps the reader to keep track of the separated items.
- Today I met Linda, who is tall; Fred, who is a biology major; Amy, who likes to swim; and John, who has brown hair.
Now you know the do’s of using a semicolon, let’s look at two don’ts.
1) Don’t use a semicolon and a conjunction
Conjunctions are used to connect independent clauses much like semicolons. They serve the same purpose, and should therefore never be used together in the same sentence. For example:
Incorrect: This assignment is extra credit only; but we still need to hand it in.
Correct: This assignment is extra credit only, but we still need to hand it in.
Correct: This assignment is extra credit only; however, we still need to hand it in.
2) Don’t use a capital letter after a semicolon
Even though both clauses being separated by a semicolon could stand on their own, you shouldn’t start the second clause with a capital letter. The only exception is if the first word in the second clause is a proper noun.
Incorrect: Jamie really likes cheese; It may be her favorite food on Earth.
Correct: Jamie really likes cheese; it may be her favorite food on Earth.
Correct: Jamie really likes cheese; Anna does not.
Semicolon Sentence Examples
Here are some more examples of how to use semicolons in sentences for each of the instances we mention above.
1) To join two independent clauses
- John finished all his homework; Kathleen did not finish hers.
- Gary can’t wait for the weekend; she loves going to the beach in hot weather.
- I helped the committee all I could; I even searched the back issues of the paper to find evidence.
- It was serious; she broke a toe.
2) To join two independent clauses separated by a transitional phrase or conjunctive adjective
- The cook’s specialty is broiled salmon; however, tonight it’s not available.
- That’s a difficult question; in other words, I’m not going to answer it.
- Vacation used to be a luxury; however, in today’s world, it’s become a necessity.
- Jamie really likes cheese; in fact, it may be her favorite food on Earth.
3) To separate items in a list
- We went to Tallahassee, Florida; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Newark, New Jersey.
- Michaela was keen to travel to as many European countries and their cities as possible and her itinerary included France, Paris; Austria, Vienna; Italy, Rome; and Germany, Berlin.
- I live with Mark, a marketer; Priscilla, a software engineer; and Maddie, a model.
- You can get bread, milk and butter from the corner shop; parsley, onion, and kale from the market; and lamb from the butcher.
When to Use a Colon
The colon has several functions. It introduces independent clauses that explain or amplify the previous clause. It can introduce words, phrases, lists of items, explanations, and elaborations.
You can think of a colon as another way of saying “that is to say” or “here’s what I mean.” A colon also performs mechanical or non-sentence functions.
Let’s look at each function of a colon.
1) To introduce additional information, such as a list, quotation, or a noun or noun phrase.
A colon is often used to introduce information. The colon helps draw attention to the items it precedes, whether that be a list, quotation, or noun.
- A list: We covered many of the fundamentals in our writing class: grammar, punctuation, style, and voice.
- A quotation: Shakespeare said it best: “To thine own self be true.”
- A noun or noun phrase: The weapon to defeat the beast was something nobody expected: love.
2) To join two related sentences
Colons can also connect two related independent sentences. The second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence.
- Mary was shocked: She never expected to see Nate again.
Only capitalize the first letter after the colon if it’s a proper noun or a quotation. But if you ever make a mistake, ProWritingAid can correct any instances of incorrect capitalization.
3) A part of writing mechanics
Let’s look at the six mechanical uses of the colon.
- Time: 6:30
- Titles: 2001:Space Odyssey
- Ratios: 1:3
- Periodical citations: American Literature 124:4-17
- Bible verses: John 3:16
- Correspondence: To Whom It May Concern:
Colon Sentence Examples
Let’s look at some more examples of how to use a colon.
1) To introduce information
- I bought three types of fruit: mangos, nectarines, and strawberries.
- My dad told me something I will never forget: “Pineapple on pizza is an abomination.”
- My roommate gave me the things I needed most: companionship and quiet.
2) To join related sentences
- Life is like a puzzle: half the fun is in trying to work it out.
- The philosopher’s life work revolved around the following question: What does morality look like in late-stage capitalism?
- Diane deserved this degree: she got what she worked for.
3) A part of writing conventions
- You can make the cold brew with a 1:3 coffee concentrate to water ratio.
- We have to be at the airport at 6:30 a.m.
- Have you seen Avengers: Age of Ultron?
Conclusion on Semicolon vs Colon
The semicolon and colon are commonly misused punctuation marks, but knowing the basics will really help.
Just to recap, a colon is used to introduce, clarify, or explain the preceding information. A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses that can stand on their own but are related in some way.
Punctuation use can be tricky because there are so many rules. Always use ProWritingAid to show you where you might have misused any punctuation mark. See where might have a comma splice so you can add a semicolon. Or see if you’ve used a colon unnecessarily so you can remove them.
Have you tried ProWritingAid yet? What are you waiting for? It’s the best tool for making sure your copy is strong, clear, and error-free![ad_2]
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