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  1. UNT Dallas
  2. Learning Commons
  3. Writing
  4. Clauses and Punctuation Patterns
  5. Colons and Semicolons
  • Apostrophes
  • Colons and Semicolons
  • Commas
  • Fragments and Dependent Clauses
  • Run-On Sentences

Colons and Semicolons

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

 

 

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