Colon or Semicolon? When to Use Them

In this post, we are addressing the age-old debate: colon or semicolon? Which form of punctuation is the correct one for the sentence you are writing? You might be wondering if your choice is purely a stylistic decision or if there are clear-cut rules. While we certainly understand the confusion when choosing between a colon and a semicolon, it is usually quite clear which one to use when you know the rules. In fact, it's rare that both the colon and semicolon are the correct punctuation options for a given sentence. It's almost always one or the other!

If you are not sure whether a colon (:) or semicolon (;) is the correct choice, we’re going to break it down for you.

When to use a colon (:)

There are three main reasons to use a colon: lists, quotations and independent clauses. Take a look at the rules for each, as well as examples of a colon in action!

Lists

A colon can be used to introduce a list, often in place of a phrase like “Here’s what I mean.” What follows a colon is intended to further explain what was mentioned before the colon.

Example sentences:

1. Here are three cities I love to travel to: Paris, Madrid and London.
2. I have several favourite genres of movies: comedy, romance and thriller.
3. I bought a lot of junk food at the store: popcorn, crisps, chocolates, and sweets.

Quotes

A colon can also be used to introduce a quote. Usually, the sentence will begin with a form of introduction before the quote.

Example sentences:

1. The character in the movie said: “Play hard. Work harder.”
2. Mr Harris preaches this concept: “Second place is the first loser.”
3. Our dog trainer gave us this instruction: “Love your dog and he will love you.”

Independent clauses

A colon can separate two independent clauses when the clauses are directly related, and you intend to emphasize the second clause. Use a colon sparingly and only between two clauses. In British English, do not capitalize the first word of the second clause unless it’s a proper noun.

Example sentences:

1. I want you to remember: two can play at that game.
2. Jordan wanted to know why I hadn’t replied to his text: I hadn’t received it.
3. Don’t forget this point: think before you speak.

When not to use a colon

A colon should never interrupt a complete sentence. For example:

1. Incorrect: The ingredients included: salt, butter, flour, and rosemary.
2. Correct: The ingredients included salt, butter, flour, and rosemary.
3. Correct: The ingredients included the following: salt, butter, flour, and rosemary.

When to use a semicolon (;)

The semicolon has two primary purposes: connecting two independent clauses and dividing lists. To clarify their usage, take a look at the rules and examples below.

Independent clauses

A semicolon can link two independent clauses that are loosely related. It replaces a conjunction (like "because") but emphasizes the connection between the clauses.

Example sentences:

1. My favourite meal is spaghetti bolognese; it reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking.
2. John is going bald; his hair is getting thinner and thinner.
3. I have finished cooking the main course; now it’s time to make the dessert.

Lists

Semicolons are useful in lists where commas alone would cause confusion, especially when the list items include commas themselves.

Example sentences:

1. When road-tripping through the United States, I visited Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California.
2. The sandwich filling options include chicken, mayonnaise and bacon; bacon, egg and cheese; or tomato, lettuce and avocado.
3. You need to pack a sleeping bag, pillow and pyjamas for the overnight stay; a water bottle, waterproof jacket and walking boots for the afternoon hike; and a swimming kit for the river activities.

Colon or semicolon quiz

Now let’s test our knowledge. For each sentence below, decide whether a colon, semicolon, or neither is appropriate.

1. Lauren moved back to South Africa, she couldn’t stand the rainy British weather.
2. Please bring sun cream, a towel and a water bottle to the pool party.
3. There’s one ingredient I really can’t stand, coriander.
4. My heart sank, Anna said she’d be unable to make it.

Answer key

Here are the correct answers and explanations:

1. Lauren moved back to South Africa: she couldn’t stand the rainy British weather. (Colon connects the two clauses.)
2. Please bring sun cream, a towel and a water bottle to the pool party. (No punctuation is needed.)
3. There’s one ingredient I really can’t stand: coriander. (The colon emphasizes coriander.)
4. My heart sank; Anna said she’d be unable to make it. (Semicolon links two independent clauses.)

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