Punctuation Department · Today with The Mayor

Semicolon & Colon

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Semicolon & Colon

Tap an officer to meet them, then work through each one.

Join two complete thoughts with a semicolon

A semicolon goes before a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, in fact) that joins two independent clauses, with a comma after the adverb. Benny the Adverb owns the adverb; the semicolon's placement is the Sheriff's.

In a sentence

I studied all week ; therefore, I felt ready.

The team practiced hard ; however, they lost.

Now you try

Each side must stand on its own. Like: I was tired; I kept reading.

Introduce what follows with a colon

A colon introduces a list after a complete statement; a comma series simply separates items inside a sentence. A colon is not a substitute for a semicolon: it introduces what follows, it does not join two independent clauses.

In a sentence

Bring the following supplies : a notebook, a pencil, and a ruler.

The recipe needs three things : flour, eggs, and sugar.

Now you try

The part before the colon must be a complete statement. Like: I packed three things: a map, a snack, and a hat.

One joins, one introduces

Both joiners require a complete clause in front of them. The semicolon balances it against a second independent clause; the colon introduces what follows. The semicolon joins; the colon introduces.

In a sentence

The trip was long ; however, it was worth it.

Pack the essentials : water, a map, and snacks.

Now you try

A semicolon balances two complete thoughts; a colon introduces what comes next.