Colons and semicolons

Colons

A colon provides an explanation to the information you have just mentioned. A semicolon indicates a brief pause that is slightly longer than that of a comma.

Use a colon:

• At the end of a sentence that directly introduces a list.
• Sparingly at the end of a statement followed by a second statement that expands on it. Most of the time, two sentences are easier to read.

When you use a colon in a sentence, lowercase the word that follows it unless:

• The colon introduces a direct quotation.

• The first word after the colon is a proper noun.

When you use a colon in a title or heading, capitalize the word that directly follows it.

Semicolons

Sentences that contain semicolons are often difficult to read. Try to simplify the sentence by breaking it into multiple sentences or a list.

Use semicolons:

• Between two independent clauses that aren't joined by a conjunction.

• Between contrasting statements that aren't joined by a conjunction.

• To separate items in a series that contains commas or other punctuation. In this case it is usually better to break it down into a list as it scans better.