Colons and Semicolons
- 1 Using a colon between independent clauses
- 2 Using a colon before lists and enumerations
- 3 Using colons in expressions of time
- 4 Using colons to express a ratio
- 5 Using colons to set off titles and other elements
- 6 Using colons in references
- 7 Capitalizing after a colon
- 8 Using a semicolon between independent clauses
- 9 Using semicolons with transitional expressions
- 10 Using a semicolon in a complex series
The use of colons and semicolons can be confusing for some. They can also generate some heated discussions. This section should be some clarity to these two major punctuation marks.
The colon
The primary function of a colon is to introduce a list, a series or enumeration. It is also used between independent clauses, in expressions of time and proportions (see clock time and Proportions). It is also used to set off headings and titles.
Unless your account specifics indicate otherwise, there is only one space after the colon.
The semicolon
The semicolon seems to generate more confusion than the colon, most likely because it is used with independent clauses, dependent clauses and transitional expressions and many people find it difficult to identify clauses and transitional expressions. Learning sentence structure is an essential part of learning how to punctuate properly.
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