Colons and semicolons might have similar-sounding names, but they serve quite different functions. In this article, we will quickly go over the main differences between the two. We will also answer some common questions that you may have about colons and semicolons.
The Difference Between a Colon and a Semicolon
Colons and semicolons can overlap in their functions. Semicolons typically join two main clauses. While colons can combine two independent clauses, they are more commonly used to join independent clauses with a list or noun.
The Colon: A Versatile Punctuation Mark
The colon has a wide variety of uses. This includes introducing a text that emphasizes the sentence and introducing lists and quotations. We also use it for professional emails for greetings in correspondence.
Another common use of colons is in book titles and article titles, subtitles, headings, and subheadings.
The following table provides a list of the common uses of colons and examples:
Screengrab by the author.
Tips to Remember When Using Colons
1. Only use colons to separate independent clauses. These are phrases that can stand on their own.
Correct: What I am saying is crucial: never look Medusa in the eyes.
Incorrect: I am saying to: never look Medusa in the eyes.
2. There should normally be no space before and one space after a colon, except for numbers in ratios.
Correct: There were three of them: Mary, Jack, and Jill.
Incorrect: There were three of them:Mary, Jack, and Jill.
3. Don't include a space for ratios.
Correct: 1:2
Incorrect: 1: 2
Using Colons with "Following" and as "Follows"
When using colons with terms such as "follow" and "as follows", care should be taken. In formal contexts, as follows and the following are usually used with a colon:
Example: The procedure is as follows, Odysseus: pouring out the goat's blood, letting the ghost feed, and then asking your questions.
Example: Hercules, the following tasks need to be completed: killing the lion, cleaning the stables, and capturing that vicious seven-headed dog.
Do you Capitalize After a Colon?
Capitalization after a colon depends on the situation. Normally, if the sentence after the colon is complete, then the first word after the colon is capitalized. However, this is true of US English. In UK English, the first word after the colon is only capitalized if it is a proper noun.
However, for book titles and subtitles after a title, the word after the title is usually always capitalized. According to the CMOS, even when the original author does not capitalize their own book title, it is sometimes OK to capitalize it yourself when writing or reproducing it.
Example: The digital person: Technology and privacy in the information age
How to Use a Semicolon
The semicolon primarily has two jobs as a punctuation mark. First, it links closely related independent clauses. Second, it separates lengthy items in a list, where commas make little sense to separate these items.
The following table gives examples of common semicolon usage.
Avoid using semicolons with dependent clauses
As with colons, semicolons are typically used with independent clauses. These are clauses that can stand on their own as sentences.
Correct: The dog liked cats; that is, it chased cats all the time.
Incorrect: The dog liked cats; that is, chasing them.
Correct: The dog liked cats, that is, chasing them.
Do you Capitalize After a Semicolon?
Normally, there is no capitalization after a semicolon, unless the first word after the colon is a proper name or noun.
The colon and semicolon have a similar role. However, the colon is more versatile. Semicolons are mainly used to join two main clauses. While colons can combine two independent clauses, they are also normally used to join independent clauses with a list or noun. Good luck with your research writing!
References
Casagrande, J. (2014). The Best Punctuation Book, Period. Ten Speed Press.
The Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition text © 2017 by The University of Chicago.
Cite this EminentEdit article |
Antoine, M. (2024, August 26). Tips on Using Colons and Semicolons. |
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