A Guide to Using Colons and Semicolons - 2021

A colon is a punctuation mark that is used within a sentence to connect two thoughts or introduce information. A colon is denoted by two dots vertically placed over each other ( : ). Here are a few situations in English grammar when it is correct to use a comma. 1. __To introduce information from the previous clause__. A colon is a punctuation mark that is used to introduce information that the previous clause has directly addressed. For example, you could write: "There are two options: We could take the train or the bus." 2. __To list items__. Colons are often used to introduce a list that the first clause of a sentence alludes to. For example, you could write “I bought many items at the grocery store: chicken, vegetables, cheese, and eggs. 3. __To connect two independent clauses__. You can use a colon to connect two independent clauses or complete thoughts that could function on their own. A colon creates a relationship between the clauses, typically with the first independent clause emphasizing the second independent clause. The first word of an independent clause following a colon will have a capital letter if it is a proper noun or the beginning of a new sentence. If there is a dependent clause following a colon (such as a list) it should not be capitalized. 4. __To introduce a quote__. People often use commas to introduce a quotation, but you can also use colons to do so. For example, it would be correct to write: “Sarah shouted across the room at him: “Where are you going?” A colon can be used to emphasize the clause that follows the colon. The following examples illustrate how to properly use a colon in a sentence. 1. __"There is one important rule: Stay safe!"__ In this sentence, the clause before the colon (“there is one important rule”) introduces the clause that follows the colon (“Stay safe!”). The second clause begins with a capitalized word because the phrase could function as its own sentence. 2. __"Mark reminded him again: ‘Be home by 11 PM!’"__ In this sentence, the first clause (“Mark reminded him again”) introduces a quote (“‘Be home at 11 PM!’”) which is preceded by a colon. 3. __"I need three things from the store: milk, eggs, and cheese."__ In this sentence, the first clause (“I need three things from the store”) introduces a list that follows the colon (“milk, eggs, and cheese”). The list following the colon does not begin with a capitalized word because it cannot function on its own. A semicolon is a punctuation mark that connects two independent sentences to create one connected and detailed sentence. It appears like a modified colon with a colon dot over a comma, as follows: ( ; ). Here are some situations in which you can employ the use of the semicolon in the English language. 1. __To connect two independent clauses__. Semicolons are used to relate two independent sentences to one another without using a [subordinating conjunction](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-subordinating-conjunction). This creates a smooth connection and strong association between the two independent clauses. 2. __To separate items in a complex list__. Within a list of items that contain [commas](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/comma-rules-explained), you can separate each item with semicolons. 3. __To correct a comma splice__. Semicolons are often used to correct comma splices, which is when a comma is placed between two independent clauses incorrectly. Semicolons can be used to relate two separate sentences, making them one complete and detailed sentence. They can also be used to separate complex examples in a list. Here are a few examples that demonstrate the proper use of a semicolon. 1. __"Hannah loved history class; she was fascinated by Ancient Rome."__ A semicolon connects these two independent clauses which could work as separate sentences. Using a semicolon creates a stronger association between these clauses than there would be if they were separate sentences. 2. __"I need a holiday; the past year has been so busy at work."__ A semicolon establishes a close relationship between these two independent clauses which could function as separate sentences. 3. __"The couch, which has red upholstery; the table, made of oak; and the coffee table, the most expensive of the three."__ Semicolons are also used in the place of commas when separating a list of items if there are commas used within the separate items. Semicolons and colons are used for different purposes. Colons are used to introduce information that is relevant to the preceding clause while emphasizing the importance of the following information. Semicolons are used to smoothly connect two independent sentences without emphasizing one part over another. Semicolons can be used to replace subordinating conjunctions, while colons typically are not. Become a better writer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Salman Rushdie, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, and more. Colons and semicolons for a number of similar and disparate reasons. Though these two forms of punctuation are used to connect independent clauses and establish flow and connection between your sentences, there are some differences that grammarians should take into account.