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The English Corner at Richland College
Semicolons and Colons
Writers have various punctuation tools for effective communication. Two such punctuation
devices are semicolons ( ; ) and colons ( : ).
Semicolons
Semicolons are used when a writer wants to join two independent clauses together without using
a FANBOYS conjunction – for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. A good rule of thumb for writers is
not to use more than two semicolons in one sentence.
Incorrect: I am having trouble with the assignment; because I cut class and did not get all
the instructions.
Corrected: I am having trouble with the assignment; I cut class and did not get all the
instructions.
If the sentence connects two independent clauses using a conjunctive adverb, use a semicolon,
not a comma, to separate the independent clauses. However, be sure to follow the conjunctive
adverb with a comma as it introduces the next independent clause.
Some examples of conjunctive adverbs are the following: however, therefore, furthermore,
nonetheless, and moreover.
Incorrect: I am extremely tired after taking my quantum physics test, therefore I need to
take a nap before the party tonight.
Corrected: I am extremely tired after taking my quantum physics test; therefore, I will
need to take a nap before the party tonight.
In addition, semicolons are used between items in a list or series when the items in the list
already contain commas.
Confusing: Mrs. Merckle likes to cook with Sharon, her sister, Jane, her daughter,
Jennifer, her best friend, and Susie, her neighbor.
Clear: Mrs. Merckle likes to cook with Sharon, her sister; Jane, her daughter; Jennifer,
her best friend; and Susie, her neighbor.
Handout created by Jane Stidham & Justine White
www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner
Colons
Colons cannot be used after verbs or prepositions. They can only follow an independent clause (a
full sentence).
Incorrect: The following items in my bag are: passport, visa, vaccines, emergency
numbers, health insurance, and appropriate clothing.
Corrected: The following items are vital when going on an international trip to a
third world country: passport, visa, vaccines, emergency numbers, health insurance,
and appropriate clothing.
Colons can be used to introduce a list or a definition.
List example: When I get home from work, I have many tasks to complete before I
can go to bed: do the laundry, clean the birdcage, wash the dishes, and dust the living
room.
Definition example: The word register has multiple uses: as a verb to indicate the act
of applying for something, as a noun to indicate a container for securing money, and as a
noun to indicate a different level for singing or speaking.
Colons can also be used for introducing lengthy or formal quotes.
Martin Luther King Jr declared in his “I Have A Dream” speech: “The marvelous
new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of
all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here
today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have
come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk
alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We
cannot turn back.”
Handout created by Jane Stidham & Justine White
www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner