Colons and semicolons · Grade 9
A colon : introduces something: a list or an explanation. A semicolon ; joins two main clauses that are closely linked, or separates the items of a long list. You will need three things: a pen, a ruler and a rubber. It was raining; we stayed inside.
Key facts
- A colon introduces a list. The words before it must be a complete sentence: We visited four countries: Egypt, Jordan, Oman and Kenya.
- A colon can introduce an explanation or a reason: the second part explains the first. I couldn't sleep: the dog barked all night.
- A semicolon joins two main clauses that are closely linked. Each could be a sentence on its own: Mia loves maths; her brother prefers art.
- A semicolon separates list items that already contain commas: We visited Cairo, Egypt; Rome, Italy; and Paris, France.
- After a colon or a semicolon, carry on with a small letter (unless the word is a name or I). A comma can't join two sentences: It was raining, we stayed inside. is wrong.