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Colons and semi-colons

Colons and semi-colons

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Explainer Video

Tutor: Jonathan

Summary

Colons and semi-colons

​​In a nutshell

Colons and semi-colons are different. Being able to use them correctly can give writing more impact by making what is said clearer for the reader. Both colons and semi-colons can be used to join independent clauses, which make sense on their own by making them part of one sentence. In this summary, you will learn how to use colons and semi-colons.



Colons

​

How to use

Examples

Colons can be used to introduce a list
I need ingredients for tonight's dinner: a whole chicken, four tomatoes, a bag of rice, flour and sugar.
Colons can go before bullet points
Come by Mr. Stretch's Magical Circus! Here are some of our attractions:
  • Bumper cars, rollercoasters, ferris wheels and more
  • Exciting shows with lions and bears
  • The UK'S biggest indoor arcade
Colons introduce explanations
The dog was feeling tired: he'd spent the whole afternoon playing fetch!
Colons join together two main clauses that are closely related
Zoe was confused: she had followed the directions on the map but still ended up lost.

Both sentences would make sense separated: Zoe was confused. She had followed the directions on the map but still ended up lost.



Semi-colons


How to use

​​Examples

Semi-colons break up lists
At the beach: we ate sugary doughnuts; built sandcastles; I found a starfish and my baby sister played in the sea for the first time.
Semi-colons can be used to separate two independent main clauses that are closely related
The dog was feeling very tired; he slept all afternoon.



Main differences


​​Name

How to use

​​Example

​​Explanation

Colon
A colon introduces an explanation and more detailed information.
The kids were up past their bedtime: their mum was asleep.
The use of the colon here shows that the kids were still awake because their mum was already asleep.
Semi-colon
A semi-colon connects two equally important parts of sentences.
The kids were up past their bedtime; their mum was asleep.
The use of a semi-colon here shows that both parts of this sentence are happening at the same time and are therefore related. However, it does not explain why the kids were up past their bedtime.

​​

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Capital letters

Punctuating sentences

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Punctuating sentences

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Colons and semi-colons

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Colons and semi-colons

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a colon and a semicolon?

A colon introduces an explanation and a semicolon connects two equally important parts of sentences. The use of a colon or a semicolon can change the meaning of a sentence.

What can colons be used for?

Colons can be used in many ways: to introduce a list, to introduce an explanation, join together two main clauses that are closely related and they can also go before bullet points.

What can semi-colons be used for?

Semi-colons can be used break up lists and to also separate two independent main clauses that are closely related.

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