Semicolons
Semicolons, like commas, separate sentence elements. A semicolon indicates a stronger break than a comma but not as strong a break as a period.
1. Semicolons Between Main Clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in thought and that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, nor, for, or, so or yet).
In the sentences below, notice that the semicolon suggests a stronger relationship between the two ideas than a conjunction does.
Do not use a semicolon to join unrelated clauses. A semicolon should be used only if two clauses are closely related.
Incorrect The Mayan Indians are credited with inventing the concept of zero; zero degrees Celsius is the freezing point for
water.
Correct The Mayan Indians are credited with inventing the concept of zero; the Hindus developed the concept independently a
few hundred years later.
- You may approve of the measure, but we do not.
- You may approve of the measure; we do not.
- Damascus is an odd mix of the ancient and the modern; it is considered the oldest continually inhabited city.
- Traveling medieval knights used a seal from their signet rings instead of cash; today travelers "pay" with credit cards.
In the sentences below, notice that the semicolon suggests a stronger relationship between the two ideas than a conjunction does.
- Watergate was one of the biggest political scandals in the history of the United States, and it resulted in the resignation of Richard M. Nixon as President.
- Watergate was one of the biggest political scandals in the history of the United States; it resulted in the resignation of Richard M. Nixon as President.
Do not use a semicolon to join unrelated clauses. A semicolon should be used only if two clauses are closely related.
Incorrect The Mayan Indians are credited with inventing the concept of zero; zero degrees Celsius is the freezing point for
water.
Correct The Mayan Indians are credited with inventing the concept of zero; the Hindus developed the concept independently a
few hundred years later.
2. Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
Note that conjunctive adverb like however and parenthetical expressions like as a result are followed by a comma.
- James McNeill Whistler was an American painter; however, he spent most of his life in Europe.
- Suffragettes crusaded for women's right to vote; as a result, the Nineteenth Amendment was passed.
Note that conjunctive adverb like however and parenthetical expressions like as a result are followed by a comma.
3. Semicolons Used with Coordinating Conjunctions
Use a semicolon(rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses that contain multiple commas.
Julie found a great Web site about desert hiking in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada; and now she plans to hike the Grand Canyon
The painting, which had once adorned the vestibule, lay in the attic for decades; and when it was restored, the church promptly sold it.
Julie found a great Web site about desert hiking in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada; and now she plans to hike the Grand Canyon
The painting, which had once adorned the vestibule, lay in the attic for decades; and when it was restored, the church promptly sold it.
4. Semicolons Used with Commas
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
- Three Connecticut patriots with the name Wolcott were Roger Wolcott, a colonial governor; Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; and Oliver Wolcott, Jr., a secretary of the Treasury.
- New York's nickname is the Empire State; its motto, Excelsior; its flower, the rose; its bird, the bluebird.
Colons
The colon marks an important division in a sentence. It signals to the reader that the material that follows is an explanation, an example, or a summation.
1. Colons to Introduce a List of Items
Use a colon to introduce a list of items.
In a sentence a colon often follows a word or phrase such as these, the following, or as follows.
Do not use a colon immediately after a preposition or a verb. (One exception to this rule is the use of a colon after a verb that introduces a formal quotation. See below.)
Incorrect Two of my favorite Woody Allen movies are: Hannah and Her Sisters and Annie Hall.
Correct Two of my favorite Woody Allen movies are Hannah and Her Sisters and Annie Hall.
Correct Two of my favorite Woody Allen movies are the following: Hannah and Her Sisters and Annie Hall.
Incorrect The country of New Zealand consists of: the North Island and the South Island.
Correct The country of New Zealand consists of the North Island and the South Island.
Correct The country of New Zealand consists of two islands: North Island and South Island.
Grammar Note. The expression such as functions as a preposition and should not be followed by a colon.
- Several parts of the sandal were leather: the upper sole, the strap, the vamp, and the midsole.
- I had three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, and three for society.
In a sentence a colon often follows a word or phrase such as these, the following, or as follows.
- Leading olive-growing countries include the following: Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey.
- Among the plays I have enjoyed are these: Our Town, The Skin of Our Teeth, The Vegetable, and As You Like It.
Do not use a colon immediately after a preposition or a verb. (One exception to this rule is the use of a colon after a verb that introduces a formal quotation. See below.)
Incorrect Two of my favorite Woody Allen movies are: Hannah and Her Sisters and Annie Hall.
Correct Two of my favorite Woody Allen movies are Hannah and Her Sisters and Annie Hall.
Correct Two of my favorite Woody Allen movies are the following: Hannah and Her Sisters and Annie Hall.
Incorrect The country of New Zealand consists of: the North Island and the South Island.
Correct The country of New Zealand consists of the North Island and the South Island.
Correct The country of New Zealand consists of two islands: North Island and South Island.
Grammar Note. The expression such as functions as a preposition and should not be followed by a colon.
- He was talented in many fields such as sports and theater.
2. Colon to Introduce a Quotation
Use a colon to introduce a quotation that lacks explanatory words such as he said or she said.
Use a colon to introduce a long or formal quotation.
- Marty's answer was quiet but firm: "I'll stay here as long as I am needed."
Use a colon to introduce a long or formal quotation.
- During the battle for France, Winston Churchill said: "We will defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches. . . we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. . .
3. Colon to Introduce an Explanation
Use a colon between two independent clauses when the second explains the first.
- Finally I understood Maggie Kuhn's purpose: she was simply trying to establish rights for the elderly.
- Mr. Jonas had a surprise when he left the theater: his car had a flat tire.
4. Other Uses of Colons
Use a colon after the salutation of a formal or business letter.
Use a colon between the hour and minute figures of clock time.
Use a colon between the chapter and verses of Biblical references.
Use a colon between the title and subtitle of a book, article, or essay.
Use a colon between the volume and number of a periodical or the volume and pages of a periodical.
Use a colon after labels that signal important ideas.
- Dear Sir or Madam:
Use a colon between the hour and minute figures of clock time.
- 8:05 P.M.
Use a colon between the chapter and verses of Biblical references.
- Job 3:2-4
Use a colon between the title and subtitle of a book, article, or essay.
- Women's Labor History: In the Voices of the Women Who Lived It.
Use a colon between the volume and number of a periodical or the volume and pages of a periodical.
- Time 37:17-20 (volume and pages)
Use a colon after labels that signal important ideas.
- Warning: Keep Out of Reach of Children