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Colons and semicolons

English Grammar and Skills Toolkit

Colons and Semicolons

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Learning objectives

In this unit you will…

Learn what a colon is and why we use colons

Identify where colons should go in sentences

Learn what a semicolon is and why we use semicolons

Practise punctuating text correctly

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When a colon (:) is used, it shows that the words which follow it are an explanation, example or list of what has been written before it.

What is a colon?

For example:

the bottom half of the bun, the burger, the cheese, some salad and the top half of the bun.

A cheeseburger is usually made up of four layers:

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I don’t know what to do with my money: spend or save?

A colon should be placed after a complete sentence.

Where do we put colons?

Colons are placed directly after the last word of the main idea and they are followed by one space only. They are never followed by either a hyphen (-) or a dash (–).

There is only one thing I have to say to you: I told you so!

It can be followed by lots of words or just a few words that may or may not be in a complete sentence.

complete sentence

not a complete sentence

Here are some examples:

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Where should the colons go?

Now write five sentences using colons to either explain a point, give an example or introduce a list.

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A semicolon (;) joins two main clauses (complete sentences) into one longer sentence.

Eating chocolate in moderation is fine; eating chocolate to excess is bad.

What is a semicolon?

It is used to join clauses that are too closely related to be separated by a full stop. Semicolons can replace conjunctions such as and or but.

The semicolon joins the statements about chocolate into one sentence which acts like a warning: eating a little chocolate is okay but beware of eating too much. The second clause is directly related to the first clause.

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Here are some more examples of sentences with semicolons.

Semicolons

Notice that the sets of words on either side of the semicolon are complete sentences which make sense on their own.

1. My dad’s coming home tonight; he’s been away on business for two weeks.

2. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.3. My little brother always sleeps with

the light on; he’s afraid of the dark.

4. I love that band; they’re great!

5. Sarah didn’t like the film; Tim really enjoyed it.

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