The colon ( : ) and semicolon ( ; ) are frequently used incorrectly in place of each other. The two punctuation marks serve very different purposes, and should not be used interchangeably. A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize
the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. (She had one love: Western Michigan University.) Dialogue—Write the speaker's name, followed by a colon and his or her statement. (Reporter: What is the Western Edge? Dunn: It is a strategic plan for promoting student success.) Introduce lists, text or tabular material—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a
complete sentence. (Our future is dependent on three things: sustainability, diversity, and enhancing our strength and health.) Clarify the titles of books, lectures and other compositions—Use a colon in titles that express two parallel ideas. The words on either side of the colon should be able to stand on their own. (He wrote "Crisis Management by Apology: Corporate Response to Allegations of Wrongdoing.") SemicolonA semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them. Include a semicolon before the final conjunction. (Members of the Western Jazz Quartet are Tom Knific, bassist; Trent Kynaston, saxophonist; Steve Zegree, pianist; and Tim Froncek, drummer.) Two closely related sentences—For the most part, you should use a semicolon only where you could also use a period, but want to demonstrate a relationship between two complete sentences. (Good grades are integral to student success; a strong support network is also important.) Colon before a List (with Examples)A colon is often used to introduce a list. For example:
Note: When your list is written in sentence format (like the list above), the clause before the colon (here, "Lee likes the following pies") should be an independent clause (i.e., one that can stand alone as a sentence). It can usually be made an independent clause by including the term "the following." Here is an incorrect example:
(Even though it feels like the term "the following" leaves the clause unfinished, it is enough to qualify the clause as an independent clause from a grammatical perspective.)  Printable TestUsing a Colon before a Bulleted ListWhen a colon is used with a vertical list (e.g., bulleted list, a numbered list), there is more leniency. The clause before the colon can be a short introduction that does not stand alone (i.e., is not an independent clause). For example: We have a selection of pies. Choose from:
Ensure Your Introduction Can Stand AloneSome strict grammarians maintain that the clause before a colon must always be capable of standing alone, even when the colon introduces a vertical list. However, we judge this ruling to be outdated given how common bullet points have become in the digital era. When a bulleted or numbered list is being introduced, it is acceptable to use an introduction that does not stand alone. For example: The lucky winners are: 1. Fred Bloggs Note: Be aware that some of your readers might consider this as sloppy writing. Even though a short introduction is widely accepted for a vertical list, when using sentence format (i.e., normal text), you must use a fuller introduction (i.e., one that can stand alone). For example: Read more about using colons for introductions. Lesson SummaryDo not use a colon after an incomplete introduction with a list written in sentence format. For example: With a bulleted list, the introduction can be incomplete. For example: Select from:
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Next lesson > How do you use a colon in a list?Use a colon before a series or list only if the words that introduce the list make up a complete sentence: To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, leavener, and salt.
Why do you use a colon for a list?A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.
Do you use colon or semicolon for a list?Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.
When should a semi colon be used in a list?Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas. There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
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When to use colons in a list
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