Writing Center Handouts

Review of the Semicolon and Colon
 

• Use a semicolon to separate two (or more) complete sentences whose ideas are related. Often the second sentence includes a pronoun that refers back to a noun (its antecedent) in the first sentence.

  The professor lectured on U.S. social policy; she then took questions.

My internship is with HRA; its mission is to serve the poor.

• Use a semicolon in front of a transition word in a compound sentence. Remember to use a COMMA after the transition word. Transition words: for example, furthermore, however, in addition, nevertheless, on the other hand, therefore.

Most of us were late to class; however, it didn’t matter as the professor was late as well.

My area of study is administration; nevertheless, I'm only doing clinical work at my placement.

• Use semicolons to separate a complicated series of phrases that contain commas.

  Grades will be based on class participation, assuming there will be time for discussion; two take-home exams, three in-class essays, and an occasional surprise quiz; and two presentations—one group and one individual.

Angel was in charge of publicity; Lisa, the programs; Carl, the props, lights, and food; and Dana, the sound system.

• Use a colon after a complete thought to call attention to something that follows.

  I need one thing to make it through: brains.

Keep the following idea in mind: "All that is solid melts into air; all that is holy is profaned."

• Use a colon before a list of items. These lists are often introduced by such words as: such as, as follows, the following, in the following manner.

  Please arrive with the following: two pencils, a writing pad, both textbooks, and your humor.
   
   

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