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 joins two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. A comma alone between two independent clauses is a comma splice, and the semicolon is the correct repair.

In a sentence

He spoke ; the room fell silent.

The plan was bold ; the team was ready.

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 follows a complete statement and introduces what comes next: a list, an explanation, or a clarification. A colon does not follow a sentence fragment.

In a sentence

There was only one explanation : the experiment had worked.

The verdict left no doubt : the defense had won.

Now you try

After a complete statement, a colon can introduce an emphatic point. Like: The lesson was clear: preparation wins.

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 novel was excellent ; the sequel was even better.

Her conclusion was clear : the data did not lie.

Now you try

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