Semicolons vs Colons: Rules, Examples and Common Mistakes
Learn when to use a semicolon and when to use a colon, with simple tests and example sentences.
The two rules
- Semicolon: joins two complete sentences that are closely related.
- Colon: introduces a list, explanation, or example after a complete sentence.
Both need a complete sentence on the left.
SEMICOLON
I studied all night; the test was still hard.
- Test: could each side stand alone as a sentence?
- Yes, so a semicolon can join them
Complete sentence ; complete sentence
COLON
Bring three things: a pencil, a calculator, and ID.
- Left side is a complete sentence
- The right side lists what 'three things' means
Complete sentence : list or explanation
Common mistake
I need: a pencil and paper.
Don't put a colon right after a verb or 'such as'. The left side isn't a complete sentence.
Fix: I need a pencil and paper.
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