Semicolons and Colons: Connect and Introduce

Choose punctuation by checking whether the first part is a complete clause.

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A semicolon can join two closely related complete clauses without a coordinating conjunction. Use a colon after a complete clause to introduce a list or explanation. Do not place a colon directly after a verb such as include when its list completes the sentence. With however between complete clauses, use a semicolon before it and a comma after it.

Worked example

'The door was locked; we used another entrance.' joins two complete clauses. 'I packed three tools: a ruler, a brush, and a pencil.' introduces a list after a complete clause.

A semicolon links We paused and the path was icy. A colon introduces a pen and a ruler after Bring two tools. — A semicolon links complete clauses. A colon can introduce a list after a complete clause.

1. Join these related complete clauses with a semicolon and no joining word. The sky darkened; we headed home. The sky darkened, we headed home. The sky darkened; and we headed home.

2. Introduce the list after a complete clause. We need: paper and tape. We need two items; paper and tape. We need two items: paper and tape.

3. Which sentence correctly uses however between two complete clauses? I wanted to continue; however the library was closing. I wanted to continue; however, the library was closing. I wanted to continue, however, the library was closing.

4. The list completes the verb include. Choose the sentence without an unnecessary colon. The supplies include paper, tape, and glue. The supplies include: paper, tape, and glue. The supplies: include paper, tape, and glue.

5. Choose a complete clause followed by a colon and an explanation. We changed: our plan because the bridge was closed. We: changed our plan because the bridge was closed. We changed our plan: the bridge was closed.

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