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Semicolons
It's no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Like commas, semicolons indicate an
audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop.
Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a
semicolon to replace a colon (see the "Colons" section).
Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her.
Correct: I have one goal: to find her.
Rule 1. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two
closely linked sentences.
Examples:
Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.
We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract.
Rule 2. Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e.,
for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also
preferable to use a comma after these words and terms.
Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.
Rule 3. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain
commas.
Incorrect: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho, Springfield,
California, Alamo, Tennessee, and other places as well.
Note that with only commas, that sentence is hopeless.
Correct: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho; Springfield,
California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well.
Rule 4. A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such
as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause.
Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise
I will keep.
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Colons
A colon means "that is to say" or "here's what I mean." Colons and semicolons should never be
used interchangeably.
Rule 1. Use a colon to introduce a series of items. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon
(unless it's a proper noun).
Examples:
You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm
clothing.
I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
I need an assistant who can do the following: input data, write reports, and complete tax
forms.
Rule 2. Avoid using a colon before a list when it directly follows a verb or preposition.
Incorrect: I want: butter, sugar, and flour.
Correct:
I want the following: butter, sugar, and flour.
OR
I want butter, sugar, and flour.
Incorrect: I've seen the greats, including: Barrymore, Guinness, and Streep.
Correct: I've seen the greats, including Barrymore, Guinness, and Streep.
Rule 3. When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending
punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or
bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence
with appropriate ending punctuation. Otherwise, there are no hard and fast rules, except be
consistent.
Examples:
I want an assistant who can do the following:
a. input data
b. write reports
c. complete tax forms
The following are requested:



Wool sweaters for possible cold weather.
Wet suits for snorkeling.
Introductions to the local dignitaries.
These are the pool rules:
1. Do not run.
2. If you see unsafe behavior, report it to the lifeguard.
3. Did you remember your towel?
4. Have fun!
Rule 4. A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the
second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence.
Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.
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If a complete sentence follows a colon, as in the previous example, it is up to the writer to decide
whether to capitalize the first word. Capitalizing a sentence after a colon is generally a judgment
call; if what follows a colon is closely related to what precedes it, there is no need for a capital.
Note: A capital letter generally does not introduce a simple phrase following a colon.
Example: He got what he worked for: a promotion.
Rule 5. A colon may be used to introduce a long quotation. Some style manuals say to indent
one-half inch on both the left and right margins; others say to indent only on the left margin.
Quotation marks are not used.
Example: The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter:
Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in
the translucent glass of the overhead light. Her father was in "hyper mode" again where
nothing could calm him down.
Rule 6. Use a colon rather than a comma to follow the salutation in a business letter, even when
addressing someone by his or her first name. (Never use a semicolon after a salutation.) A
comma is used after the salutation in more informal correspondence.
Formal: Dear Ms. Rodriguez:
Informal: Dear Dave,
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Semicolons and Colons Quiz 1
1. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.
( ) B) You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.
( ) C) You asked for forgiveness: he granted it to you.
( ) D) You asked for forgiveness he granted it to you.
2. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) We ask; therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
( ) B) We ask, therefore; that you keep this matter confidential.
( ) C) We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
( ) D) We ask: therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
3. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by
now.
( ) B) The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore. I expected the shipment to arrive by
now.
( ) C) The order was requested: six weeks ago, therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by
now.
( ) D) The order was requested six weeks ago: therefore, I expected the shipment, to arrive by
now.
4. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) The American flag has three colors; red, white, and blue.
( ) B) The American flag has three colors: Red, white, and blue.
( ) C) The American flag has: three colors. Red, white, and blue.
( ) D) The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.
5. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) She said she loved the book; so, I gave it to her.
( ) B) She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
( ) C) She said: she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
( ) D) She said she loved the book: so I gave it to her.
6. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) She has three dogs, two poodles and a beagle.
( ) B) She has three dogs; two poodles and a beagle.
( ) C) She has three dogs: two poodles and a beagle.
( ) D) She has three dogs, two poodles, and a beagle.
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7. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par.
( ) B) The orchestra, excluding the violin section; was not up to par.
( ) C) The orchestra; excluding the violin section, was not up to par.
( ) D) The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was: not up to par.
8. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
( ) B) I have been to San Francisco California; Reno Nevada; and Seattle Washington.
( ) C) I have been to San Francisco California, Reno Nevada, and Seattle Washington.
( ) D) I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.
9. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) I need a few items at the store, clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
( ) B) I need a few items at the store; clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
( ) C) I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.
10. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
( ) A) I answered the phone; but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
( ) B) I answered the phone: but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
( ) C) I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.
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Quiz 1 Results
1. Correct Answer: B
You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.
Explanation: use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two closely related sentences.
2. Correct Answer: C
We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.
Explanation: do not use semicolons where commas can do the job.
3. Correct Answer: A
The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected the
shipment to arrive by now.
Explanation: it is preferable to use a semicolon before, and a comma after, introductory words
such as however, therefore, for example when they introduce a complete sentence.
4. Correct Answer: D
The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.
Explanation: use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce any list.
5. Correct Answer: B
She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
Explanation: use a comma to separate two sentences joined by coordinating conjunctions such
as and, but, or, so, for, nor.
6. Correct Answer: C
She has three dogs: two poodles and a beagle.
Explanation: see Explanation 4.
7. Correct Answer: A
The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par.
Explanation: see Explanation 2.
8. Correct Answer: D
I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle,
Washington.
Explanation: use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units
contain commas.
9. Correct Answer: C
I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener, and
napkins.
Explanation: see Explanation 4.
10. Correct Answer: C
I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other end of the
line.
Explanation: see Explanation 5.
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Semicolons and Colons Quiz 2
1. For each question, choose the correct answer.
( ) A) Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish; I’m a vegetarian.
( ) B) Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish: I’m a vegetarian.
( ) C) Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, I’m a vegetarian.
2.
( ) A) The centerpieces had her favorite flowers. Roses, carnations, and daisies.
( ) B) The centerpieces had her favorite flowers; roses, carnations, and daisies.
( ) C) The centerpieces had her favorite flowers: roses, carnations, and daisies.
( ) D) A, B, and C are all correct.
3.
( ) A) They were missing a few things on their camping trip, namely; they forgot sunscreen,
towels, and firewood.
( ) B) They were missing a few things on their camping trip; namely, they forgot sunscreen,
towels, and firewood.
( ) C) They were missing a few things on their camping trip, namely: they forgot sunscreen,
towels, and firewood.
4.
( ) A) Please give me some time I do not want to be rushed.
( ) B) Please give me some time; I do not want to be rushed.
( ) C) Please give me some time, I do not want to be rushed.
5.
( ) A) While visiting the beach, we saw pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
( ) B) While visiting the beach, we saw: pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
( ) C) While visiting the beach: we saw pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
6.
( ) A) I would like to leave early in the morning, therefore: I am going to bed soon.
( ) B) I would like to: leave early in the morning; therefore, I am going to bed soon.
( ) C) I would like to leave early in the morning; therefore, I am going to bed soon.
7.
( ) A) On our last trip we stayed in: Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando,
Florida.
( ) B) On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando,
Florida.
( ) C) On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Orlando,
Florida.
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8.
( ) A) The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses: uniforms, shoes, equipment, and
camp fees.
( ) B) The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses: uniforms; shoes; equipment; and
camp fees.
( ) C) The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses, uniforms; shoes; equipment; and
camp fees.
9.
( ) A) Estella landed her dream summer job: She’ll be an intern in a senator’s office.
( ) B) Estella landed her dream summer job: she’ll be an intern in a senator’s office.
( ) C) Estella landed her dream summer job; she’ll be an intern in a senator’s office.
( ) D) A, B, and C are all correct.
10.
( ) A) Roberto can’t decide among three careers: dentist, veterinarian, or physical therapist.
( ) B) Roberto can’t decide among three careers: dentist; veterinarian; or physical therapist.
( ) C) Roberto can’t decide among three careers; dentist, veterinarian, or physical therapist.
( ) D) A, B, and C are all correct.
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Quiz 2 Results
1. Correct Answer: A
Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish; I’m a vegetarian.
Explanation: a semicolon may be used between closely related independent clauses.
2. Correct Answer: C
The centerpieces had her favorite flowers: roses, carnations, and
daisies.
Explanation: use a colon to introduce a series of items.
3. Correct Answer: B
They were missing a few things on their camping trip; namely, they
forgot sunscreen, towels, and firewood.
Explanation: use a semicolon before certain introductory words (“namely”) that precede a
complete sentence.
4. Correct Answer: B
Please give me some time; I do not want to be rushed.
Explanation: see Explanation 1.
5. Correct Answer: A
While visiting the beach, we saw pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.
Explanation: no semicolons or colons are called for in this sentence.
6. Correct Answer: C
I would like to leave early in the morning; therefore, I am going to bed
soon.
Explanation: use a semicolon before certain introductory words (“therefore”) that precede a
complete sentence.
7. Correct Answer: C
On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia;
and Orlando, Florida.
Explanation: use semicolons to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain
commas.
8. Correct Answer: A
The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses: uniforms, shoes,
equipment, and camp fees.
Explanation: see Explanation 2.
9. Correct Answer: D
A, B, and C are all correct.
Explanation: the three sentences are each consistent with the rules of semicolons and colons.
10. Correct Answer: A
Roberto can’t decide among three careers: dentist, veterinarian, or
physical therapist.
Explanation: see Explanation 2.