Colons and semi-colons
You learn the colon for a list or explanation, and the semi-colon for two linked clauses.
How to do the test
- If a list or an explanation follows a complete clause, use a colon.
- If two complete clauses are closely linked, use a semi-colon.
A worked example
Tap the word the colon follows. You will need three things a pencil, a ruler and a rubber.
- What comes next is a list.
- A colon introduces a list or an explanation after a complete clause.
- The colon goes after things.
More examples
Tap the word the semi-colon follows. The sun set the sky turned red.
- The sentence has two main clauses that are closely linked.
- A semi-colon can join two such clauses instead of a full stop.
- The semi-colon goes after set.
Tap the word the colon follows. The shop sold only fruit apples, pears and plums.
- What comes next is a list.
- A colon introduces a list or an explanation after a complete clause.
- The colon goes after fruit.
Watch out
You use a colon where two clauses are joined, or a semi-colon before a list.
Ask what comes next. A list or an explanation after a complete clause needs a colon. A second complete clause needs a semi-colon.
Tips
- If you could end the first part with a full stop, a colon or a semi-colon can take its place.
Why it works
A colon follows a complete clause and introduces what comes next: a list or an explanation. A semi-colon joins two complete clauses that belong together, instead of a full stop.