Semicolons & Colons
What is a Semicolon?
A semicolon (;) looks like a combination of a period and a comma — and that's exactly what it is.
Definition:
Function:
Semicolons serve two main purposes:
Separate complete thoughts like periods; separate items like commas.
Semicolon Rules Overview
• Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) • Use semicolons before coordinating conjunctions joining clauses that already contain commas • Use semicolons between items in a series when the items contain commas • Remember: The clauses you connect must be closely related in meaning
Semicolon Examples
Series with Commas:
Between Independent Clauses:
Use a semicolon to join two complete, related thoughts.
Use semicolons to separate items that already contain commas.
example:
example:
I went to the store; I needed milk.
Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Tokyo, Japan.
What is a Colon?
A colon introduces lists, explanations, quotations, and formal statements.
Function:
Reminder:
Do not use a colon between a verb and its object or a preposition and its object.
The colon signals: "Here comes more!"
Colon Rules Overview
• Use a colon before lists, especially after "the following" or "follows" • Use a colon before long formal statements or quotations • Use a colon between hour and minute in time (3:30 p.m.) • Use a colon after business letter salutations (Dear Sir:) • Use a colon in biblical references (John 3:16) and between titles/subtitles
Important Definitions
Receives the action of the verb (answers WHOM? or WHAT?)
Direct Object:
Indirect Object:
Tells TO WHOM or FOR WHOM the action is done.
Preposition: shows relationship
Colon Usage Examples
Time & Salutation:
Before a List:
You will need the following: pencils, notebooks, and a calculator.
Colons are used in time notation and formal greetings.
examples:
example:
3:30 p.m. Dear Sir:
shopping list
Avoiding Colon Mistakes
Tips:
When writing a sentence with a colon correctly, avoid placing a colon between a verb and its object. That would would be the action of the sentence the part that completed the thought.
Semicolons vs. Colons
Colons:
Semicolons:
Link related independent clauses; separate complex list items
Introduce lists, explanations, quotations, special formats
example:
example:
"I love reading; my sister prefers movies."
"She had one goal: success."
Thank You & Questions
Semicolon and colon Board game
Start
END
Semicolons & Colons
Megan Jenkins
Created on April 23, 2026
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Transcript
Semicolons & Colons
What is a Semicolon?
A semicolon (;) looks like a combination of a period and a comma — and that's exactly what it is.
Definition:
Function:
Semicolons serve two main purposes:
Separate complete thoughts like periods; separate items like commas.
Semicolon Rules Overview
• Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) • Use semicolons before coordinating conjunctions joining clauses that already contain commas • Use semicolons between items in a series when the items contain commas • Remember: The clauses you connect must be closely related in meaning
Semicolon Examples
Series with Commas:
Between Independent Clauses:
Use a semicolon to join two complete, related thoughts.
Use semicolons to separate items that already contain commas.
example:
example:
I went to the store; I needed milk.
Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Tokyo, Japan.
What is a Colon?
A colon introduces lists, explanations, quotations, and formal statements.
Function:
Reminder:
Do not use a colon between a verb and its object or a preposition and its object.
The colon signals: "Here comes more!"
Colon Rules Overview
• Use a colon before lists, especially after "the following" or "follows" • Use a colon before long formal statements or quotations • Use a colon between hour and minute in time (3:30 p.m.) • Use a colon after business letter salutations (Dear Sir:) • Use a colon in biblical references (John 3:16) and between titles/subtitles
Important Definitions
Receives the action of the verb (answers WHOM? or WHAT?)
Direct Object:
Indirect Object:
Tells TO WHOM or FOR WHOM the action is done.
Preposition: shows relationship
Colon Usage Examples
Time & Salutation:
Before a List:
You will need the following: pencils, notebooks, and a calculator.
Colons are used in time notation and formal greetings.
examples:
example:
3:30 p.m. Dear Sir:
shopping list
Avoiding Colon Mistakes
Tips:
When writing a sentence with a colon correctly, avoid placing a colon between a verb and its object. That would would be the action of the sentence the part that completed the thought.
Semicolons vs. Colons
Colons:
Semicolons:
Link related independent clauses; separate complex list items
Introduce lists, explanations, quotations, special formats
example:
example:
"I love reading; my sister prefers movies."
"She had one goal: success."
Thank You & Questions
Semicolon and colon Board game
Start
END