No matter how good your ideas are, grammatical errors will stand out and make your writing look unprofessional. The colon and semicolon are two of the most misunderstood pieces of punctuation. This overview will provide valuable tips on using the colon and semicolon correctly.
When to Use a Colon
There are only two main uses for the colon in everyday writing. Both require an independent clause, also known as a complete sentence, before the colon. The first use is when introducing a list, and the second is when introducing an explanation or example.
Example: I need to pick up a few things at the grocery store: milk, bread, cheese, and juice.
Example: After 10 hours of deliberation, the jury made its decision: the defendant was guilty.
Incorrect example: My favorite places to shop are: the mall, the local shopping center, and the Internet.
The last example was incorrect because the colon was not preceded by a complete sentence. In this case, you would not need any punctuation. Just write the list.
Colons can also be used to separate a book title from its subtitle (Punctuation: A Useful Guide), as part of a business letter salutation (To Whom It May Concern:), and of course between the hour and minute in time notation (3:30 p.m.)
When to Use a Semicolon
A semicolon is used to link two complete sentences without a conjunction such as and or but. You can always use a period and start a new sentence instead of using a semicolon, but when your sentences are closely related or continue the same thought, it helps the reader to have a semicolon.
Example: I’m going to the grocery store; I need to buy bananas.
If you use a comma instead of semicolon, this is called a comma splice. It is incorrect.
Incorrect example: I’m going to the grocery store, I need to buy bananas.
You should also use a semicolon when you link two complete sentences with a conjunctive adverb such as however, therefore, or nevertheless.
Example: I wanted to go to the beach today; however, I have to go to work.
Notice that the semicolon comes before the conjunctive adverb, and a comma follows the conjunctive adverb. It is important to get this punctuation correct.
Semicolons can also be used in a list where commas are already present.
Example: My road trip will take me to the following destinations: San Diego, California; Portland, Oregon; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Nashville, Tennessee.
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