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Colons and semicolons are two punctuation marks that people often confuse. They look similar, but they have different uses. If you’re not quite sure when to use a colon vs. semicolon, keep reading as I explain what the difference is and how to use them!
(Please note that I used The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) as my reference guide unless otherwise noted.)
Table of Contents
When to Use a Colon
The colon has a wide variety of uses.
For example, you can use a colon
- To illustrate or emphasize the preceding sentence
- To introduce a list
- To introduce a quotation or dialogue
- In ratios and other numeric terms
- With expressions like as follows and the following
- After a greeting
- Between a title and subtitle
- In source citations
Bet you didn’t know it has quite so many uses! Let’s dig in.
Use a Colon to Illustrate or Emphasize the Preceding Sentence
A colon can be used to introduce text that illustrates or emphasizes the point that precedes it.
Colon example:
He got what was coming to him: a prison sentence.
See how the second part of the sentence amplifies the point made in the first part? This is a useful tool you can use in your writing to make it more interesting.
If you want to add even more drama, you could use an em dash instead. To learn more, read En Dash vs. Em Dash: When and How to Use Them.
Use a Colon to Introduce a List
A colon can be used to introduce a list of words if the list follows a complete sentence or independent clause.
Colon example:
We’re going to need a lot of supplies to get through this: chocolate, wine, and Netflix.
Use a Colon to Introduce a Quotation or Dialogue
A colon, instead of a comma, can be used to introduce dialogue.
Colon example:
The MC made an announcement: “The star of the show has just broken a leg and won’t be able to perform.”
Use a Colon in Ratios and Other Numeric Terms
Colons can be used in number terms like ratios, time, books of the Bible, etc.
Colon examples:
The odds were 2:1 in her favor.
They had agreed to meet at 8:10 p.m., but she never showed up.
He had read Genesis 22:10 many times, but he still couldn’t understand the lesson.
Use a Colon with Expressions Like As Follows and The Following
A colon is normally used after as follows, the following, and other similar introductory phrases.
Colon example:
My favorite ice cream flavors can be ranked as follows: mint choc chip, salted caramel, and chocolate.
Note: There should be no colon after the words include/including when it introduces a list.
Incorrect: My favorite ice cream flavors include: mint choc chip, salted caramel, and chocolate.
Use a Colon after a Greeting
In formal writing, a colon can be used after a greeting at the beginning of a letter or email.
Colon example:
Dear Ms. Turner:
Use a Colon between a Title and Subtitle
In a bibliography or in running text, use a colon between a title and a subtitle.
Colon example:
The book Taking This Show on the Road: A Proofreader’s Guide to Digital Nomadism highlights the benefits and challenges of working while you travel.
(Shameless plug: That’s my book! You can check it out here. ;-))
Use a Colon in Source Citations
When citing a source that includes a volume and page number, use a colon between the two.
Colon example:
Complete Tales of Henry James, 5:34
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Colons
Mistake #1: Always using a colon to introduce a list
Incorrect. Colons should only be used to introduce a list if what precedes the colon is a grammatically complete sentence.
Mistake #2: Using two spaces after a colon
Incorrect. You should only use one space instead of two after a colon.
Mistake #3: Never capitalizing the word that follows the colon
Incorrect. You can capitalize the word that follows the colon if it meets any of the following criteria:
- The word following the colon is a proper noun.
- The colon is introducing two or more complete sentences.
- The colon is introducing dialogue or a quotation.
Related Content:
How to Use an Ellipsis: Chicago vs. AP Style
How to Use an Apostrophe (and Mistakes You Need to Avoid)
How to Use Quotation Marks (and the Difference between Single Quotes vs. Double Quotes)
How to Use Commas (and Mistakes to Avoid)
When to Use a Semicolon
The semicolon doesn’t have as many uses as the colon, but it’s still a useful punctuation mark.
Why use a semicolon? If used correctly, a semicolon provides variety in your writing and makes it much more interesting.
Here are the four occasions when you should use a semicolon:
- To join two closely related independent clauses
- With conjunctive adverbs
- With words like for example, namely, and that is
- In a complex series
Let’s dive deeper into these uses and explore some examples.
Use a Semicolon to Join Two Closely Related Independent Clauses
A semicolon is used between two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction to signal a close connection between the clauses. This is the most common use of a semicolon.
Each clause should be able to stand alone as a complete sentence, but the purpose of the semicolon is to indicate that the ideas are closely related.
There’s a reason a semicolon is a comma with a period above it. It’s halfway between the two. Like a comma, a semicolon indicates a pause—longer than a comma, but shorter than a period.
Semicolon example:
He didn’t want to go to school; he wanted to go to the zoo to see the polar bear.
These two sentences could stand on their own and be separated by a period, but using a semicolon highlights the close relationship between them.
Semicolons should generally not be used before a conjunction like and, but, so, or, nor, for, or yet.
However, occasionally it can be used between two independent clauses that are joined by a conjunction if there is a comma(s) in the second clause and using the semicolon would aid comprehension.
Semicolon example:
It wasn’t an American flag; but it was red, white, and blue and was hung outside a US embassy.
Use a Semicolon with Conjunctive Adverbs
You can use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs like however, therefore, and indeed when they connect two closely related independent clauses.
Semicolon example:
We could go to the cinema; however, I’ve got an 80-inch screen in my basement and two recliners.
A comma usually follows the adverb but can be omitted if the meaning is clear without it.
Use a Semicolon with Expressions Like For Example, Namely, and That Is
You can use a semicolon before expressions like for example, namely, or that is when they introduce an independent clause.
Semicolon example:
Mom wasn’t messing around when she drew up the list of chores; for example, she wanted the tops of the wardrobes dusted.
Use a Semicolon in a Complex Series
Colons are also used in lists, so how do you know when it’s appropriate to use a semicolon in a list?
Use a semicolon in a list or series if any of the items on the list include a comma. This will aid comprehension.
Semicolon example:
They visited several places while on the cruise including Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Palma De Mallorca, Spain; and Rome, Italy.
Can you imagine how hard that sentence would be to read if it only had commas to separate each place?
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Semicolons
Mistake #1: Using a semicolon to introduce a list
A semicolon can be used in a list (as outlined above), but it should not be used to introduce a list.
Mistake #2: Using a semicolon between a dependent clause and the rest of the sentence
If the text that follows the semicolon could not stand alone as a complete sentence, do not use a semicolon.
Incorrect: We all went to the beach; even though it was raining hard.
Even though it was raining hard is a dependent clause, so it should be preceded by a comma.
Mistake #3: Capitalizing the word that follows the semicolon
One common question I see popping up all the time: Should I capitalize the word that comes after a semicolon? No, the word that follows a semicolon should not be capitalized unless it’s a proper noun.
Grammar Posts
Different From vs. Different Than
Colon vs. Semicolon Quiz
Want to cement what you’ve learned from this article? Take the colon vs. semicolon quiz! You’ll find the answers at the bottom of this page.
- They all know where they want to go once the lockdown ends[: or ;] Ireland.
- Rory loved broccoli[: or ;] Emily despised it.
- It was a dream house[: or ;] four bedrooms, a backyard, and a swimming pool.
- Catherine was scared of numbers[: or ;] nevertheless, learning math was essential.
- Your options are a sandwich with bacon, lettuce, and tomato[: or ;] egg, onion, and mayo[: or ;] or tomato, lettuce, and avocado.
Final Thoughts on Semicolon vs. Colon
I hope you have a better understanding of when you should use a colon vs. a semicolon now.
If you want to dive deeper into colons vs. semicolons or other grammar and punctuation issues, check out the resources below.
Need More Grammar and Punctuation Help?
Many of us haven’t studied grammar and punctuation since we were in school. Language changes over time, and let’s face it, memories fade.
If you’d like to improve your grammar and punctuation skills so you can communicate better or hone your proofreading skills, Grammar Lion: A Grammar Refresher is an in-depth but easily digestible course.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Learn how to identify the parts of speech
- Recognize and correctly use commonly mixed-up words
- Spot sentence fragments, and rework them into complete sentences
- Master the rules of punctuation and capitalization
- And much more
Commas tripping you up? Take this free comma course to refresh your knowledge.
If you want to learn more, here’s my review of the Grammar Lion course.
Further Reading
- The Chicago Manual of Style
- New Oxford Style Manual
- The Associated Press Stylebook
- The Best Punctuation Book, Period
Related Content: 15 Essential Reference Books for New Proofreaders
Colon vs. Semicolon Quiz Answers
- They all know where they want to go once the lockdown ends: Ireland.
- Rory loved broccoli; Emily despised it.
- It was a dream house: four bedrooms, a backyard, and a swimming pool.
- Catherine was scared of numbers; nevertheless, learning math was essential.
- Your options are a sandwich with bacon, lettuce, and tomato; egg, onion, and mayo; or tomato, lettuce, and avocado.
