Colons and semicolons are punctuation marks that can help you create lists and clarify meaning in your writing. However, they have different functions and rules that you need to follow. In this article, you will learn some examples of using colons and semicolons correctly and effectively.
A colon is used to introduce a list, an explanation, a quotation, or a conclusion that follows from the previous statement, signaling that something more specific or relevant is coming next. For instance: "She had three hobbies: reading, gardening, and baking." "The main reason for his success was simple: hard work." "He quoted his favorite poet: 'The woods are lovely, dark and deep.'" "There was only one option left: to quit." When using a colon, ensure that the part before the colon is a complete sentence and that the part after the colon is related to it. Additionally, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun or the start of a quotation.
- Generally speaking, for articles where you're going to give examples of proper punctuation, it's best to put the examples on their own lines in order to avoid confusion. I recommending restructuring these sections as follows: "... For example: She had three hobbies: reading, gardening, and baking. The main reason for his success was simple: hard work. He quoted his favorite poet: 'The woods are lovely, dark and deep.' There was only one option left: to quit."
- In terms of the structure of this particular article, I recommend switching this section and the next section, as a semicolon has a more general usage and a colon has a more specific usage. According to the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition: "Between independent clauses [a colon] functions much like a semicolon, and in some cases either mark may work as well as the other; use a colon sparingly, however, and only to emphasize that the second clause illustrates or amplifies the first."
A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning or in contrast, demonstrating that the clauses are balanced and connected. For instance: "She loved the city; he preferred the countryside." "He was late for work; however, he still managed to finish his tasks." "They had a lot in common; they both enjoyed music, art, and travel." When utilizing a semicolon, make sure the clauses on either side of it are complete sentences and can stand alone without the semicolon. Additionally, do not use a conjunction (such as and, but, or so) after the semicolon unless it is followed by a comma.
The first sentence should read, "A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning or content,..." Also, as in the previous paragraph, examples should be on separate lines in order to avoid confusion. I recommend restructuring it to say: "... For example: She loved the city; he preferred the countryside. He was late for work; however, he still managed to finish his tasks. They had a lot in common; they both enjoyed music, art, and travel."
This may be a matter of taste, but I try to avoid transitional words like “however” following a semicolon. In most cases the relationship between the clauses is already evident and needs no transition. In the case of “however” there is no reason not to simply use a period and make the second clause a new sentence.
Colons and semicolons can also be used to create lists that are more complex or detailed; for instance, a colon can introduce a list with multiple items or subcategories, and semicolons can separate them. This can help you avoid confusion or repetition. For example: "To make the cake, you will need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, and vanilla extract." "The finalists for the award were John Smith, a journalist from New York; Mary Jones, a novelist from London; and Lee Wong, a poet from Hong Kong." When using colons and semicolons in lists, ensure the items or subcategories are parallel in structure and consistent in punctuation.
- Generally, it is allowable to use commas in a list if you're using semicolons, and in fact, you really should only be using semicolons in a list if only using commas would cause confusion; for example: The representatives on this panel are from Denver, Colorado; Akron, Ohio; and Tampa, Florida.
Just dislike semicolons. Grammatically and aesthetically, the ; symbol seems to honk badly in many instances. A full stop or comma mostly puts the semi-c to the bank of a rich character queue. Can't say why. Just a personal view.
To avoid common mistakes, do not use a colon or semicolon after a verb, preposition, or incomplete phrase. Additionally, don't use one before a list introduced by phrases like "such as," "for example," or "including." In addition, colons and semicolons should not be used to separate two clauses that are not independent. For instance, instead of writing: "He was hungry; because he skipped breakfast," write: "He was hungry because he skipped breakfast."
"Additionally, don't use one before a list introduced by words such as such as, for example, or including" is rather tricky to read. Would it not be better to introduce these examples in quotation marks? As in: Additionally, don't use one before a list introduced by words such as 'such as', 'for example', or 'including'?
This section would be better as bullet points. Putting them as one paragraph suggests they're related, when actually they aren't. This structural layout also links the examples at the bottom to the paragraph's content, when it's only relevant to the last point. The subheading also suggests a list will follow to advise how to avoid common mistakes, but it neither differentiates between the common mistakes and the how to avoid these errors (only providing one full example). The rest would be better under a subheading such as "Colons and semi-colons: how not to use them", because no explanation of why or how to correct misconceptions is given.
Confusing phrasing in the first sentence, as noted before. Also suggest revising to replace double "such as." "...by phrases like "such as," "for example," or "including."
To use colons and semicolons more confidently, read texts that use them effectively, analyze how they enhance the clarity and flow of the writing, and practice writing sentences with them. Also, find a style guide that fits the type of writing you're doing, such as the Associated Press (AP) Handbook or the Chicago Manual of Style, and follow their guidelines. These handbooks and manuals have more in-depth descriptions of when, where, and how to use colons and semicolons, as well as every other punctuation mark. With these methods, you can become more confident and accurate in your writing. (This article has been updated by LinkedIn editors based on member feedback.)
- I find this section's advice to be too broad; namely, if a writer doesn't know how to use colons and semicolons effectively, how are they going to know which texts use them properly? It would be better to include examples of specific texts. I've offered a possible rewrite of this section in the following contribution. - Also, in terms of the order of actions, I recommend changing it to: "... read texts that use them effectively, analyze how they enhance the clarity and flow of the writing, and practice writing sentences with them..."
"In order to build confidence in using colons and semicolons, the old adage holds true: practice makes perfect. Find a style guide that fits the type of writing you're doing, such as the Associated Press (AP) Handbook or the Chicago Manual of Style, and follow their guidelines. These handbooks and manuals have more in-depth descriptions of when, where, and how to use colons and semicolons, as well as every other punctuation mark. Continue practicing with colons and semicolons, and your confidence and accuracy will improve greatly."