Consolidate Understanding of Colons and Semicolons

Using semicolons and colons accurately can add different effects to your writing and demonstrate a sophisticated use of punctuation.

 

The semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that is used in the following ways:

1. To separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence that are about similar themes. Here, it effectively replaces a conjunction in linking the two parts together.       

The town was in chaos; looters filled the streets.

 

2. To separate items in a list when the items are long phrases as opposed to single words.

I bought shiny, ripe apples; small, sweet, juicy grapes; and firm pears.

 

 

The colon (:) is another punctuation mark which can enhance and improve your writing if used correctly. The common uses are as follows:

 

1. To introduce a quotation or list.

In Act 1, Scene 5, Romeo states: "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!/ For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."'

 

 

The nightclub played many different types of music: rock, hip-hop, jazz, indie and even soul.

 

Note that a colon should only be used to introduce a list if the first part of the sentence makes sense on its own.

The nightclub played rock, hip-hop, jazz, indie and even soul.

In this example, a colon is not used because 'The nightclub played' does not make sense on its own.

 

2. To make a reader take notice of a point because it is on its own, or to reveal something to the reader.

We were all waiting for the hero of the evening: John.

The cat's fur was found in two rooms: the bedroom and the kitchen.

I know what's wrong with her: she's in love.

 

 

That was a lot of information to take in, so let's attempt ten questions to consolidate your knowledge!