Imagine you're texting your punctually correct friend about your weekend plans, but your message is confusing:
You first type: "We can go to the mall: get a pizza, watch a movie, and buy new shoes."
Then, you type: "We can go to the mall; we could also get pizza; watch a movie; and buy new shoes."
I bet you're wondering which one makes more sense?
Well today, you'll master the colon (:) and semicolon (;) — two punctuation marks that look similar but play very different roles!
Colon vs. Semicolon: What’s the Difference?
Image created by the author in Canva Creative Studio.
A colon (:) introduces information set up by the previous clause (a group of words with a subject & verb). It’s typically used before a list, example, or explanation.
A semicolon (;) joins related independent clauses together in the same sentence without a conjunction like "and" or "but".
Did you know?
You only need to capitalize the word after the semicolon if it's a proper noun or acronym.
Colon (:) — The Introducer
In a sentence, a colon is like a drumroll before something important. It introduces:
lists
explanations
big ideas
1. Introducing a list
The infographics in this Byte were created by the author in Canva Creative Studio. To hear audio descriptions of each image, click play on the audio player below.
Notice that the colon introduces a list of three things needed for success.
2. Introducing an explanation or definition
Notice that the colon introduces an explanation of what the goal is.
3. Emphasizing an important idea
Notice that the colon emphasizes an important point or idea at the end of the sentence.
Did you know?
You can think of a colon as shorthand for “which is/are,” “as follows,” or “thus.”
Semicolon (;) — The Connector
In a sentence, a semicolon is like a strong handshake between two related independent clauses in a single sentence when:
discussing the same topic
contrasting two similar ideas
separating items in a list
1. To link two closely related independent clauses
Take a look at the example below:
I wanted to stay up late; I had an early meeting in the morning.
The semicolon connects two complete sentences that are closely related but could stand alone. Instead of using "but," the semicolon smoothly links them.
Watch the video below to learn how to link together two closely related ideas that can work by themselves as sentences:
2. Before a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb that joins two clauses
Notice the semicolon goes before the conjunctive adverb (a word that's similar to a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but"). In this case, the semicolon goes before "however". It joins the independent clauses together and shows the contrast between them.
3. To separate items in a complex list
Notice how the semicolons separate items in a list if the items are long or have internal punctuation like commas.
Subscribe for more quick bites of learning delivered to your inbox.
Unsubscribe anytime. No spam. 🙂
Quiz Time!
Choose the correct punctuation mark (colon or semicolon) for the blank space in the sentence below:
She packed everything she needed for the trip ___ a warm jacket, hiking boots, a first-aid kit, and plenty of snacks ___ she was ready for the adventure ahead.
A. colon (:) then semicolon (;)
B. semicolon (;) then colon (:)
C. colon (:) then colon (:)
D. semicolon (;) then semicolon (;)
Quiz
Select the missing punctuation:
Take Action
Your feedback matters to us.
This Byte helped me better understand the topic.
New Bytes
We publish fresh Bytes daily, we can send you a notification when that happens.