Colons & Semicolons
Semicolons
 A semicolon tells the reader to pause longer than you would for a comma, not quite as
long as you would for a period.
 Semicolons are primarily used in compound sentences.
 The semicolon takes the place of the comma and the conjunction joining the
independent clauses.
Examples
 Examples:
 First I had a sandwich and a glass of milk, and then I called you for the homework assignment.
 First I had a sandwich and a glass of milk; then I called you for the homework assignment.
 Patty likes to act, but her sister gets stage fright.
 Patty likes to act; her sister gets stage fright.
Semicolons
 Similarly, a semicolon can take the place of a period between two independent clauses
that are closely related.
 Sarah looked out at the downpour. Then she put on her raincoat and boots. [two simple
sentences]
 Sarah looked out at the downpour; then she put on her raincoat and boots.
Semicolons
 Notice that the following sentences observe a complete thought on both sides of each
semicolon. The two independent are not joined by and, but, or, nor, for, or yet.
 Since the thoughts in the independent clauses in each sentence are closely related, a
semicolon is better than a period.
Examples
 Echoes of the anthem shivered in the air; the tears that slipped down many faces were
not wiped away in shame. – Maya Angelou
 The late pears mellow on a sunny shelf; smoked hams hang to the warmed barn rafters;
the pantry shelves are loaded with 300 jars of fruit. - Thomas Wolfe
 Knowledge without commitment is wasteful; commitment without knowledge is dangers.
- Hubert H. Humphrey
Semicolons
 Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by such words as for example, for
instance, that is, besides, accordingly, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, otherwise,
therefore, however, consequently, instead, hence.
 These words are often transitional expressions linking independent clauses. When used this
way, they are preceded by a semicolon. They are, however, usually followed by a
comma.
Examples
 Emma felt shy; however, she soon made some friends.
 My parents are strict; for example, I can watch TV only on the weekends.
Semicolon
 A semicolon (rather than a comma) may be needed to separate independent clauses joined
by a coordinating conjunction when there are commas within the clauses. This makes a
sentence clear.
 Confusing: Ana, Eric, and Kim voted for her, and Scott and Vanessa voted for Jason.
 Clear: Alan, Eric, and Kim voted for her; and Scott and Vanessa voted for Jason.
 Confusing: Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Leo saw a huge, green
cloud traveling in his direction, and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the crops
would soon be eaten by a horde of grasshoppers.
 Clear: Scanning the horizon for the source of the whirring sound, Leo saw a huge, green cloud
traveling in his direction; and, suddenly recognizing what it was, he knew that the crops would
soon be eaten by a horde of grasshoppers.
Semicolons
 Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
 I have post cards from Paris, France; Rome, Italy; Libson, Portugal; and London, England.
 The Photography Club will meet on Wednesday, September 12; Wednesday, September 19;
Tuesday, September 25; and Tuesday, October 2.
Colons
 Use a colon in the following ways:
 To introduce a list of items
 Between two independent clauses when the second clause explains or summarizes the first
 To introduce a long or formal question
Examples
 The following dams are also located in the United States: Grand Coulee Dam, Shasta
Dam, and Glen Canyon Dam.
 The need for a dam was apparent: the Colorado flooded in the spring and dried to a
trickle during the summer.
 A local farmer wrote: “It’s impossible to farm seriously when you cannot be confident of a
stead supply of water for your crops. This situation is intolerable for farmers.”
Examples
 Also use a colon in these cases:
 Dear Mr. Rogers:
 6:15 a.m.
 Warning: Fire Hazard
 Genesis 6:8
 Do not use a colon after a verb, in the middle of a prepositional phrase, or after because or as.