Colons and semi-colons in a list A colon is used to introduce an idea. It can also be used to introduce items in a list. For example: • He visited three cities in England: Manchester, York and London. • I used a variety of materials: plastic, wood and glass.
In the bullet points above, commas have been used
to separate the simple items in each list. Move on
Semi-colons and conjunctions A semi-colon can replace a conjunction which joins two main clauses. Can you rewrite these sentences using a semi-colon instead of a conjunction? • The pen went down the back of the sofa so James could not reach it.
Colon or semi-colon? • The roads aren’t safe it’s been snowing for three days. • My motto in life is simple spend part of every sunny day outdoors. • My favourite meals are sausages, mash and gravy chilli con carne, rice and garlic bread and steak, chips and peas. • There were two flavours available chocolate and strawberry. • Some people write on a computer other people write with a pen. Move on
Colon or semi-colon? Answers • The roads aren’t safe: it’s been snowing for three days. • My motto in life is simple: spend part of every sunny day outdoors. • My favourite meals are sausages, mash and gravy; chilli con carne, rice and garlic bread; and steak, chips and peas. • There were two flavours available: chocolate and strawberry. • Some people write on a computer; other people write with a pen.