Colons, Semicolons, Dashes, and Hyphens

Colons

• Introduce a sub-clause that logically follows and depends upon the previous clause
*See Grammar Overview Handout
o Example: A new food chain was introduced to the university: Which Wich.

• Indicate a list or another idea that is not a new concept from the preceding clause
o Example: There are four punctuation marks one must always keep in mind: colons, semicolons,
dashes, and hyphens.

• Separate an address, the hour and minutes in a time notation, etc.

o Example: To whom it may concern:
o Example: 5:15 p.m.

Semicolons

• Link two related, independent clauses or sentences

o Example: The best part about writing is articulating thoughts; the worst part is revising those
thoughts.

• Provide clarity in a list, particularly if the list already includes commas

o Example: I visited Chicago, Illinois; Montreal, Canada; and Venice, Italy.

• Join two independent clauses or sentences when the second begins with a conjuctive adverb (e.g.,
“however,” “therefore,” “nonetheless,” “otherwise,” etc.)
o Example: Studying is a task that many students try to avoid; however, most students recognize the
importance of the task even if they avoid it.

Dashes

• Link two parts of a sentence instead of just a colon

o Example: The bus was late today—we almost missed our first class.

• Use in place of brackets or parentheses

o Example: The library—which housed many of my favorite books—was a common hangout of
mine.

• Between the names of joint authors, creators, etc. to distinguish from hyphenated names of a single person
o Example: Lennon—McCartney compositions
Hyphens

• Provide clarity in an adjectival phrase before a noun

o Example: An up-to-date list is required.
o Note: This usage is different from the coordinate adjectives mentioned in the Common Comma
Issues Handout.

• Use with prefixes to avoid confusion or mispronunciation

o Example: Once recovered, the animals are re-released into the wild.

• Use with prefixes before a proper name, number, or date

o Example: Pre-2016 politics

• Use in numbers that are spelled out

o Example: I waited to see him for twenty-seven years.

• Link concepts or ranges of numbers

o Example: U92 is aimed at the 18-25 bracket.

Want more help? Find us at the Writing Studio!

Locations: Colson Hall G02 & Evansdale Library

Appointments:
Call 304.293.5788 or
Stop by Colson Hall G02 or
Visit http://speakwritewvu.edu/writing-studio

*Adapted from the Oxford Style Guide, 2016