3.2 Semicolons and Colons

3.2 Semicolons and Colons

While commas represent a brief pause in a sentence, semicolons and colons serve more specialized roles in organizing complex thoughts and establishing clear relationships between clauses. On the PERT Writing exam, you will need to distinguish between these marks and know when to use them instead of commas or periods.

1. Using Semicolons to Link Independent Clauses

The most common use of the semicolon (;) is to link two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). An independent clause, remember, is a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. When two independent clauses are connected in meaning, a semicolon can demonstrate that relationship more effectively than a period.

• Correct: The presentation was a complete success; the client agreed to sign the contract immediately.
• Incorrect: The presentation was a complete success, the client agreed to sign the contract immediately. (This is a comma splice—using a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction).

A semicolon essentially functions like a period but indicates that the two thoughts are intimately connected. If the clauses are not closely related, it is better to use a period.

2. Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs

When you join two independent clauses using a conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, thus), you must place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.

• Correct: The budget for the project was drastically reduced; therefore, the team had to revise their timeline.
• Correct: She prepared extensively for the interview; however, she still felt nervous before it began.
• Incorrect: The budget was reduced, therefore, the team had to revise their timeline. (Comma splice)

Conjunctive adverbs provide a smooth transition between ideas, but they do not have the grammatical power of coordinating conjunctions to join clauses with just a comma.

3. Semicolons in a Complex Series

Typically, commas are used to separate items in a series. However, when the items themselves contain commas (internal punctuation), using more commas to separate the items can cause confusion. In these cases, semicolons act as "super-commas" to clearly separate the distinct items in the series.

• Correct: The company is opening new branches in Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Portland, Oregon.
• Incorrect: The company is opening new branches in Austin, Texas, Denver, Colorado, and Portland, Oregon. (The excessive commas make the list confusing to read).

4. Introducing Lists with Colons

The colon (:) is primarily used to introduce information, acting like a pointer that says, "Here is what I mean." The most frequent use of a colon is to introduce a list of items.

Crucial Rule: A colon must always be preceded by an independent clause (a complete sentence). You should never place a colon immediately after a verb or a preposition.

• Correct: The recipe calls for three main ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter. (The clause before the colon is a complete thought).
• Incorrect: The three main ingredients are: flour, sugar, and butter. (The clause before the colon is incomplete; it ends with the verb "are").
• Incorrect: The recipe consists of: flour, sugar, and butter. (The clause ends with the preposition "of").

5. Colons for Explanations and Amplifications

A colon can also be used between two independent clauses when the second clause explains, illustrates, or amplifies the first clause. In this usage, the colon acts similarly to a semicolon, but it carries the specific meaning of "namely" or "that is to say."

• Correct: There was only one explanation for his sudden disappearance: he had discovered the truth about the conspiracy.
• Correct: The coach emphasized the most important rule: teamwork is the key to victory.

Notice that the first clause is always an independent clause, setting up the explanation that follows.

6. Colons with Quotations

Colons are often used to introduce a long or formal quotation. Just as with lists and explanations, the text introducing the quotation must be an independent clause.

• Correct: The author begins the novel with a powerful statement: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
• Incorrect: The author stated that: "It was the best of times..." (Do not use a colon after "that").

Summary of Usage

To master semicolons and colons on the PERT exam, keep the following principles in mind:

• Semicolons join equal, independent clauses.
• Colons point forward to lists, explanations, or quotes.
• Both semicolons (in their primary use) and colons must follow an independent clause. Never use a colon to separate a verb from its object or a preposition from its object.