How to Use a Colon & Use a Semicolon

They may sound like they are related, and they may share the same computer keyboard key, but using a colon (:) is vastly different from using a semicolon (;). Colons generally introduce or draw attention to words, while semicolons tend to separate words. When determining which form of punctuation to use, think logically and remember examples of sentences you've seen to help you out.

Instructions

Colon

1. Use a colon to introduce a list, quote or statement that you want to draw attention to in a complete sentence.
   Example: This weekend, we will attend a variety of events: a concert, a fair, a football game and church.

2. Use a colon to separate numbers in various instances, such as time (12:30:01 a.m.), a ratio (2:1) or a scripture (John 3:16).

3. Use a colon to separate a title from a subtitle in a book, lecture or other body of work.
   Example: "Home: A Novel."

4. Use a colon in memos or after a salutation in a formal/business letter.
   Example: "To Whom It May Concern:" and
   "TO: John Adams
   FROM: Eve Maybury
   DATE: June 29, 2008
   SUBJECT: June's meeting"

5. Use a colon after a summarizing word.
   Example: "Example: babies" and "Answer: chicken."

6. Use a colon in dialogue writing, such as in a script.
   Example: "John: I told you that I loved you."

Semicolon

1. Use a semicolon to separate two complete, but related, sentences.
   Example: "I asked Mary to go to the game with me last week; she told me no."

2. Use a semicolon to separate two, often contradictory, complete sentences with a conjunctive adverb like "however" or "therefore."
   Example: "Sherry and I went to the movies earlier today; however, we missed the film that we wanted to see."

3. Use a semicolon in a series, usually when the series calls for multiple commas that could confuse the reader.
   Example: The county high school's homecoming court include Sandy May, senior; Tiffany Bills, junior; Leslie Maddox, sophomore; and Lisa June, freshman.