A semicolon links two independent clauses that are closely related: “The evidence was clear; the defendant was guilty.” It is often used before linking adverbs: “The report was long; however, it was clear.”
A colon introduces something that explains, completes or follows from the first clause: a list, a quotation, a result or a single emphatic word: “He had trained for years: victory was inevitable.”
Never use a semicolon before a subordinate clause (Although it was late; we kept talking) or a colon after an incomplete clause (The cities are: Accra and Nairobi).
Worked example
Correct the error: “Three cities bid for the games; Accra, Nairobi and Dakar.”
- The second part is a list that explains the first.
- A list is introduced by a colon, not a semicolon.
Answer:Three cities bid for the games: Accra, Nairobi and Dakar.
Key words
- independent clause
- a clause that can stand alone
- linking adverb
- however, therefore, consequently
- emphatic
- giving strong emphasis
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.9-10.2a, L.9-10.2b