How to Use Colon vs. Semicolon Correctly?

Ah, the age-old argument between semicolon and colon. Which type of punctuation should you use in this sentence? How did you find out? Is there a definite option where one is right, and the other one is incorrect, or is it simply an aesthetic choice, such as whether to use the Oxford comma?

It's understandable why people are confused about whether to use a semicolon or colon, but once you understand the fundamentals, the solution is frequently obvious. It's usually either one or the other; there are very few instances in which both a semicolon and a colon are appropriate.

Understanding the distinction between a colon and a semicolon will help you write correctly. Two independent clauses are separated by semicolons (;), but colons (:) are used to introduce lists or emphasize certain points. When you wish to discuss related ideas in the same sentence, you must use semicolons. In order to organize your ideas and communicate coherently to readers through your paper, use semicolons and colons.

How to Remember the Difference?

Most of the time, semicolons and colons are not interchangeable. A time or ratio, for instance, can only be listed after a colon. On the other hand, similar sentences are joined together using both colons and semicolons.

The colon is typically used rather than a semicolon to denote a closer connection between two phrases. In real life, a colon is frequently used to start a new statement that clarifies or explains the prior one. A semicolon, on the other hand, is used to show that two sentences are merely connected in some way.

What is a Colon?

The colon (:) punctuation mark is used to emphasize a remark or to begin a list of things. For instance, “The only thing I want: to be happy.” The colon, in this instance, emphasizes the word “happy.” The colon can also be used to break up two distinct clauses when the following one clarifies, builds upon, or uses examples from the first. 

For example – “I have a fantasy: one day, all people will be treated equally.” The second part of this sentence, which describes the fantasy, is introduced by the colon.

Indicating ratios and proportions can also use a colon. For instance, “There are 3:1 boys and girls in this class.”

The colon in this line indicates the ratio of boys to girls in the class. Other uses for a colon include beginning a quotation or denoting the passage's time. He might have said: “I will be there,” for instance. 

The colon marks the beginning of a direct quotation in this sentence. Additionally, “The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m.” The colon in this statement denotes time.

Using Colons in Sentences

Let's start with a look at colons. This element of the punctuation household primarily serves the needs of lists, quotations, and standalone sentences.

Lists

A list can be started off with a colon. Colon sentences in this context are equivalent to stating, "Here's what I believe." The sentence that will follow the colon is intended to expand on the ideas expressed earlier.

Example –

Right now, two options exist: leave or engage in combat.

• We already knew who would win: The Eagles.
• This home offers all things I need: two bedrooms, a backyard, and a garage.
• My favorite movie genres: mystery, science fiction, and drama.
• I filled up my shopping cart at the store with all types of meat: bacon, turkey, chicken, and tuna.
• He wished to visit three Italian cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice.
• Three states start with the letter M: Michigan, Mississippi, and Maine.

Quotes

Adding a colon before a quotation from another source is another option. Normally, the words will be introduced in some way.

Example –

• Shakespeare first uttered this: "To thine own self be true."
• The movie's lead character stated: "Play hard. Give more effort.”
• Before writing, Diana Gabaldon offers the following prayer: "Help me see what I need to see."
• The dog trainer told us: "Love your dog, and she will love you."
• Jamie was given a grim outlook by Claire and said: "You're never going to win the Battle of Culloden."
• She made significant efforts to emphasize this: "Kindness never fades."
• According to Mrs Morris: “Second place is a loser.”

Independent Clauses

Two independent clauses can be separated by colons. These clauses are two complete concepts on their own.

In the examples below, there are two factors to keep in mind. Each example starts off by having two clauses. This connection should only be made between two clauses. Second, in the second clause, you do not capitalize the initial word. Let's look at them!

Example –

• Just keep in mind: two people can participate in that game.
• I'm feeling much better now: you can come to get me.
• Never forget: consider your words before you speak.
• Play your part well: the entire world is a stage.
• He is the definition of selfishness: he doesn't care about anyone.
• A lengthy list of items might also be preceded by colons. Additionally, they are employed in the phrase "To Whom It May Concern:" that follows a formal introduction.

Examples of Colons

Here are a few examples of using colons. Let’s have a look –

• We went to this location on our holiday: it was a popular attraction.
• Yay, I'm happy: I stomp my heels and look at my phone.
• I'm eager: I'm headed to the mall to meet up with my friends!
• I'm grinning: I assist you in checking your email. 
• I am having trouble staying seated: my heart is racing. 
• This book will be read by me: a book of comics by the comic book artist.
• None of these programs appealed to him: he did not like any of them.
• She was in charge of the project: she was accountable for it.
• They have never dined there before: he has never eaten there.
• She is a pianist, a Caucasian woman with classical training: she frequently performs in a neighborhood orchestra.
• Political instability has long existed in South Africa: citizens are violently protesting the government, calling for change.
• Blood can be seen as strong or bad: it has been depicted as the color of life in literature.
• He suggested I read the following book: a page-turning book from the author of fiction.
• I enjoy eating: many people dislike the flavor of chocolate.
• I adore music: I'm not a huge fan of pop.
• We saw several animals during the stroll: horses, deer, and sheep.
• The laws of the road: instructions for driving.
• "I have never met anyone": Idea, defence, or contrast.
• "The man you love may not be the man I love": Short phrase.
• I'm an early bird: I get up every morning at 6:00.    
• My mother gave me a horse when I was ten; the present determined my future.
• I can't remember who said that: a woman is nothing without her man.    
• Coherence: The relationships between sentences and the ideas in each sentence contribute to the overall coherence.
• Three nations border the United States: Mexico, Canada, and Cuba.
• The child didn't move: he was at a loss for what to do.

When Do I Use a Colon?

A colon appears as follows:

A colon's function in a sentence is to introduce information and provide context for it. Consider it a shortcut for the phrases "which is/are," "as follows," or "thus." 

For instance, "There are three sodas on the menu: Dr Pepper, Pepsi, and ginger ale." This can also be written: "There are three kinds of soda on the menu, and they are, in order, ginger ale, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper."

If two clauses in a sentence are directly related, and you want to emphasize the second clause, a colon can divide the statement into two independent parts. Here's an example of the colon in use:

The roads are icy: driving today is perilous. 

One of the rare situations in which either a colon or a semicolon would be appropriate is when dividing a sentence into two independent clauses. A colon more explicitly separates two independent clauses than a semicolon may. To the above sentence, compare the following: 

Notice how the semicolon version feels more conversational, whereas the colon version feels more direct? You may have also noted that the phrase after the colon in the first example begins with a capital letter. 

What is a Semicolon?

The punctuation mark "semicolon" (;) is used to separate two distinct clauses. A group of words that can function as a sentence on their own is known as an independent clause. I have a dog, for instance, which is an independent clause. When joining two separate clauses, a semicolon is used, as in "I have a dog; I also have a cat." Semicolons can also be used to connect two closely related independent clauses. 'The sky is blue; the sun is yellow,' for instance. The semicolon here serves to demonstrate how closely related the two assertions are.

Lists can also employ semicolons since they frequently serve to make the things in the list clearer. For instance, you might say, "I need to purchase milk, bread, and eggs; I also need cheese." In this instance, the semicolon aids in making your writing more brief and clear by indicating that the list only has three things rather than four. When following a brief, for instance, this can save time since staff can quickly scan a body of text to determine the keywords needed in a piece of copy if they are organized in this way.

Semicolons in Sentences

Semicolons are one of the most generally misunderstood components of the punctuation family. Just keep in mind that semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses.

Independent Clauses

Similar to colons, semicolons should only be used to separate sentences of no more than two, and the initial word of the second clause should not be capitalized. They must thus be used whenever there are two complete ideas that may form a sentence on their own.

So why not add a period? Two distinct clauses are connected by a semicolon. If one or both clauses are incomplete, think about adding a colon instead.

• Dad is balding; his hair is becoming progressively thinner.
• You need to cut back on your food intake; else, you'll have to start a diet.
• You require new brakes; otherwise, you could have trouble slowing down in time.
• In the 1960s, Star Trek was my favorite television program; it continues to be my all-time favorite program.
• I just ate a massive supper; I'm already hungry again.
• She had taken self-defence classes; thus, she successfully repelled the attacker.
• We lost; we committed too many turnovers.
• I am aware that you dislike broccoli; it is incredibly healthy for you.
• Sonya drives a Porsche; Michelle drives a Jaguar.
• I've done the main course; I still need to cook dessert.
• I refer to it as the loo; she refers to it as the bathroom.
• Mom wants the tasks finished; more importantly, she wishes them done right.
• I've promised to be there after I'm done working; I'll be there right away.
• She didn't notice the other car coming; therefore, her automobile now has a significant dent.
• Even though there is overwhelming proof of global warming, some people still refuse to accept it.
• We should visit Woof Gang Bakery; they have the best dog treats.
• She relocated to Ireland; she liked the peaceful country better than America.
• I want to check out 15 different books from the library; let's go there.

This may cause you to doubt whether two separate clauses should be joined by a colon or a semicolon. Here is a useful guideline. A semicolon should be used if the two sentences are only connected and not necessarily consecutive in concept. Use a colon if the two connected clauses are thought-out in order.

Lists

Semicolons also perform a less significant but still significant impact. In lists, they act as commas when using just commas would be unclear. Look at the illustrations below. Commas cannot be used to divide items in a list because each item already has commas.

As a result, the semicolon comes in handy to divide the lists, behaving similarly to a comma but allowing for improved organization and clarity.

Regarding travel within the United States, I've been to Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California.

Please take my anthologies of short tales, poetry, and Shakespearean plays; Jackie Kennedy, Charles Stuart, and Queen Elizabeth histories; and my Nora Roberts, Jude Devereux, and Diana Gabaldon historical romance books.

You can have different sandwich options, such as bacon, egg, and cheese; a ham, egg, tomato, and cheese; or a tomato, lettuce, and avocado.

Punctuate with Proficiency

Was that not thrilling? Colons are not just for breaking up large lists of bullet points. They can also introduce a useful quote and divide a sentence into two clauses.

You can now count yourself among the grammarians who correctly employ semicolons in relation to them. It's comforting to know you still have an appreciation for grammar in a world of LOLs and BRBs. The value of competence will never fade