How many times have we been confused about how, when and where to use colons and semi-colons in our writing? We know that they’re important, but goodness, their placement is just so confusing at times.
We’ve all been there. Sometimes we throw them in and move right along in our writing, in the hopes that readers won’t understand their placement, either. Our luck runs out when we get a review, and all the reviewer mentions is the ill placement of the colons and semi-colons we used.
We tried.
No worries, because today I’m going to share just a few examples of how, when and where you should use those little brats. This is not an extensive post on the subject, but the few examples I’m sharing, should get you thinking in the right direction.
Just the way commas tell us where to pause, and periods tell us when to stop, colons and semi-colons function in similar fashion.
The most common use of the colon is to introduce lists, text, give emphasis on something, and present dialogue. Here we go!
COLONS
Examples:
- Here are my top five foods: macaroni and cheese, green smoothies, tamales, chicken salad, and popcorn. (Introducing a list of items.)
- I only wear one brand of sunglasses: Michael Kors. (Giving emphasis)
- Whenever I’m late to an event, I’m reminded of what my mother used to say: The early bird always gets the worm. (Presenting dialogue) (Do not use quotation marks when you are using a colon in this situation)
SEMI-COLONS
The most common use of the semicolon is to join two independent clauses without using conjunctions like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. (Use the mnemonic device FANBOYS to help you remember these). Semi-colons allow sentences in a paragraph to work as one sentence, separated by a semicolon and not harshly divided by a period. A very pleasant and easy way to use two sentences in one, wouldn’t you agree?
A semi-colon cannot be used to replace a comma or a period. Always remember where the semi-colon falls on the food chain: it should be regarded as stronger than a comma but not quite as divisive or final as a period.
Do not use a capital letter after a semicolon unless the word is a proper noun or acronym.
Example:
- Let’s go to the park this weekend; Sundays work best for me.
Remember, when you use a semi-colon, you are separating two complete sentences. Each sentence should be able to stand on its own (make sense) without the other, and the sentences should be closely related.
Examples of the correct use of the semi-colon and incorrect use of the semi-colon:
- CORRECT: My daughter coaches at the college; we get free tickets to all the athletic events!
- INCORRECT: My daughter coaches at the college; my car wouldn’t start when I went out this morning. (These two sentences are not related to each other at all).
This was just a small taste of how, when and where to use colons and semi-colons properly. If they confuse you, as they do to so many of us, I urge you to educate yourself more into their use. I find it so annoying when I’m reading a book and I see things like this…
- She rode her bike to school: when she got there it was closed. (Nope)
- I love the following genres; historical fiction, poetry, and action/adventure. (Nope again)
Correct these two sentences by switching the colon and semi-colon around in each sentence.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief lesson and I anxiously await your next read. I’m confident it will be swimming with properly placed colons and semi-colons getting along fabulously together!
Do you dislike colons and semi-colons like so many writers I know? We’d love to hear your thoughts down below.
I would love to see this instruction for commas and even periods! Is that possible Nonnie?
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This information is more valuable than you know. Thank you!!!
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As I would tell my students, “Semicolons have the same effect as periods. Don’t use those unless you could substitute a period. On the other hand, colons announce. Think of them as headlights spotlighting a list, text, or dialogue.”
I often see writers abuse the colon and semicolon; they are not interchangeable. Thanks for noting the difference here–and giving examples.
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Hi, Marian! I’m sure it’s all unintentional abuse of our friends, the colon and semi-colon. What makes it easy to understand is when the growth is visible after the mistakes The growth shows that the student did their homework.
Thanks for dropping by!
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Thank you, Nonnie, for another well-thought-out article. Your content is always refreshing and to the point.
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Thanks, John! Your thoughtful and encouraging comments are what keeps me posting refreshing content! 🙂 You’re appreciated!
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Hi Nonnie, thank you for this great post. It is good to have a refresher on this punctuation.
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I’m glad you liked it, Robbie! Thanks for dropping by!
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Colons and semicolons are challenging to teach my students, but eventually they get it (well, most of them…lol!). This was a great quick review. Thanks for sharing, Nonnie! 🙂
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Sometimes these punctuation annoyances are challenging to teach adults, so go easy on the young ones, Ms. Teacher!
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Lol! I do. I have SO much patience with them. 😉
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Simply well done! Sharing…
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Thanks for sharing, Bette!
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Great mini lesson, Nonnie. I rarely use colons except in lists. Thanks for suggesting other uses.
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Nonnie, thanks for this little primer on those pesky fellows. I say fellows, as they must be male, being so annoying and all. Oh, I kid! This was a great review of something that causes much confusion. Thanks!
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Hi, Maura Beth, I’ll have to agree… they must be male!
Thanks for dropping by and adding to the enjoyment!
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