1. Colons and Semicolons

2. Colons A colon is the two dots above each other (:) Colons are used
Prior to a list
After a salutation
To indicate time
Between a title and subtitle
To separate an independent clause from a quote
For emphasis

3. Prior to a List A colon can be used to introduce a list. Example:
We had all of the equipment for the game: baseballs, bats, and gloves.

4. After a Salutation
Use a colon after the salutation of a business/formal letter.
Example:
Dear Mr. Smith:

5. To Indicate Time
Use a colon between numbers that indicate hours, minutes, and seconds.
Example:
His time for running the course was 1:24:50.

6. Between a Title and Subtitle
Use a colon to distinguish between a title and a subtitle.
Example:
The textbook is called Ideas Across Time: Classic and Contemporary Readings for Composition.
It can also be used to distinguish between a chapter and verse in literature.
Psalm 23:1

7. To Separate an Independent Clause from a Quote
Use a colon to introduce a quote after an independent clause.
Example:
In the play, Rose gives Troy a message: “Times have changed from when you was young, Troy.”
Notice that a verb is not used write before the quote.

8. For Emphasis
Use a colon to emphasize a word, phrase, or clause that explains the main independent clause.
Examples:
There was only one thing left for me to do: finish my homework.
Let us not forget this point: it is important to help others.

9. When NOT to Use Colons After a “being” verb After a preposition
Am, are, were, was, be, etc.
After a preposition
By, in, etc.
If a list starts with the following words or phrases
Such as
For example
Including
Namely

10. Semicolons A semicolon is the comma with a dot above it (;)
Semicolons are used to
Sort complex lists
Link closely-related independent clauses
Link complete clauses with a conjunctive adverb

11. Sort Complex Lists
Place semicolons between items in a list if some of the items are groups that contain commas.
Example:
My family lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Detroit, Michigan.

12. Link Closely-Related Independent Clauses
Use a semicolon to connect independent clauses.
The independent clauses must be related.
Example:
It looks like it is going to rain; I better bring my umbrella.

13. Link Complete Clauses with a Conjunctive Adverb
A semicolon is also used to connect independent clauses when a conjunctive adverb is used.
The semicolon is placed before the conjunctive adverb.
A comma is placed after the conjunctive adverb.
Example:
I was tired after practice; however, I still had homework to finish.

14. Conjunctive Adverbs Also Besides Consequently Finally Furthermore
Hence
However
Indeed
Instead
Likewise
Meanwhile
Moreover
Nevertheless
Next
Subsequently
Then
Therefore
Thus

15. When NOT to Use Semicolons
When two independent clauses are joined using a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
You would use a comma for this.
When what follows the punctuation restates what comes before it
You would use a colon for this.