Semicolons and Colons

Semicolons and Colons

Semicolons

A semicolon is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. It is used to link two independent clauses with similar ideas, or it can be used to avoid confusion when there are already too many commas in a sentence.

Today's cafeteria pizza looked questionable; I ate it anyway.

Reminder
You may see a transition word after a semicolon.
She wanted AirPods for Christmas; however, Santa brought her a sweater.

Example:

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses, creating a compound sentence.

Compound Sentences

Semicolon Use #1

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is written correctly?

• That man is a fantastic teacher; therefore, he is popular with students.

• It was a cold day; pickles are delicious.

• The pie includes these ingredients; strawberries, rhubarb, and blackberries.

• At the stroke of midnight; Disneyland becomes a magical place.

My cousin has lived in Detroit, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bobby hired Joe, the carpenter; Larry, the mason; and Steve, the electrician.

Examples

Use a semicolon to separate items in a list that already contains commas.

Semicolon Use #2

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• Sofia's three favorite pizzas are sausage, pepperoni, and green pepper, pineapple, ham, and bacon, and cheese with mushrooms.

• Sofia's three favorite pizzas are sausage, pepperoni, and green pepper: pineapple, ham, and bacon: and cheese with mushrooms.

• Sofia's three favorite pizzas are sausage, pepperoni, and green pepper; pineapple, ham, and bacon; and cheese with mushrooms.

Colons

A colon indicates a stop and then introduces something.


"The colon acts like a drum roll, announcing what will follow." - Jeff Anderson

Our guide told us to bring the following

items: a lantern, a sleeping bag, and a tent.

Example

Use a colon after a stop to introduce a list.

Colon Use #1

Multiple Choice

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

• Bring me the following items a laser, a rocket, and a hat.

• Bring me the following items; a laser, a rocket, and a hat.

• Bring me the following items, a laser, a rocket, and a hat.

• Bring me the following items: a laser, a rocket, and a hat.

The President's attitude was cold and detached: "We must not let emotion interfere with our mission."

Example

Use a colon after a stop to introduce a quotation.

Colon Use #2

Multiple Choice

Does the following sentence require a colon or a semicolon?

• John F. Kennedy said it best: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

• John F. Kennedy said it best; “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

It's obvious why you're tired: you're staying up too late.

Example

Use a colon after a stop to introduce another sentence or a summary.

Colon Use #3

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• You failed the test for one reason, you didn't study.

• You failed the test for one reason: you didn't study.

• You failed the test for one reason: You didn't study.

• You failed the test for one reason; you didn't study.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon correctly?

• I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow: I can't go out tonight.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence. 

• This is what you need at the grocery store milk, bacon, and eggs. 
• This is what you need at the grocery store: milk, bacon, and eggs.
• This is what you need at the grocery store; milk, bacon, and eggs.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence. 

• I want you to understand one thing I love eating pizza.
• I want you to understand: one thing I love eating pizza.
• I want you to understand one thing: I love eating pizza.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence. 

• Since I plan to take over the world, I will need a lot of money.
• Since I plan to take over the world; I will need a lot of money.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence or sentences. 

• Frank loves: hamburgers, fries, and shakes.
• Frank loves hamburgers, fries, and shakes. 

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence.

• I really like tacos; because I have been eating them since I was little.
• I really like tacos because I have been eating them since I was little.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence.

• Dracula knocked several times no one came to the door. 
• Dracula knocked several times no one came; to the door. 
• Dracula knocked several times; no one came to the door.