Semicolons and Colons

Explanation

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related, especially when a conjunctive adverb follows. A colon introduces a list, an explanation or a quotation after a complete clause. Never put a colon between a verb and its object.

Examples

• The results were clear; the cause was not.
• She brought three things: a map, a torch and water.
• There was one problem: nobody had read the brief.

Common mistakes

• She brought: a map, a torch and water.

  She brought a map, a torch and water.

  No colon between verb and object.

• The results were clear, the cause was not.

  The results were clear; the cause was not.

  Use a semicolon, not a comma.

• The cause was not however important.

  The cause, however, was not important.

  However needs punctuation around it.