The Ultimate Guide to Using Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

In this article, we’ll talk about the three most commonly used punctuation marks that are semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). After reading this, you will be able to figure out when to apply different kinds of punctuation in your writing. All three of them are used to connect two independent phrases that are related.

Semicolon

Semicolons are usually represented by the symbol ‘;’. The major use of the semicolon is that it is used to join two complete sentences into one single sentence. Compared to colons, which separate two ideas, semicolons connect them. It lets us understand that two ideas are interconnected rather than existing as two separate concepts. Always remember where you can’t use a colon, you can’t use a semicolon.

When to Use a Semicolon?

There are some conditions for using a semicolon, a semicolon should be used when:

1. Both of the phrases are too closely connected to be separated by a full stop.
2. No connecting word is there, such as but, and, whereas, which would require a comma.

• It is important to make sure the semicolon is used before a complete sentence and after a complete sentence. None of the sentences should be incomplete. If any of the sentences is incomplete, a semicolon should not be used. 

Here, look at this example:

“After a long and hard working day; Selena came back home safely.”

In this example, neither of the sentences is complete, therefore, we will not use the semicolon here. Hence, it is a wrong sentence.

• In some cases, where the connecting word is used, then we’ll use a comma instead of a semicolon. For example,

“I enjoy reading; however, I don’t have much time.”

By using a comma, instead of a semicolon: “I enjoy reading, however, I don’t have much time.”

How to Use a Semicolon?

Semicolons act as a link between two connected but independent sentences. To separate them, we often use a semicolon rather than a colon. Being more clear it means that, “These two sentences are connected, but they can be represented on their own.”

Let’s say, for example, “I love to read books; they take me to new worlds.”

“I love to read books” and “They take me to new worlds” may be different phrases, but because they’re so similar, we add a semicolon to connect them.

Colon

A colon is a type of punctuation mark that is usually represented by the symbol ‘:’ Unlike semicolons, the colon can be used between two incomplete sentences. But mainly to add information.

When to Use a Colon?

•  Mainly, to add additional information. 

For example, 

           Two things are essential to survive: food and water.

• Colons can also be used to represent ratios.

For example, 

The red team won the basketball match by 4:2

• You must have noticed that the colon is used to denote time too.

For example,

The Delhi to Bombay train will arrive at 9:45 pm.

• In bible verses, the use of colons is also seen. 

For example,

John 3:16

How to Use a Colon?

Using colons in writing is similar to introducing anything that follows a statement that provides more information or clarifications. It’s similar to saying, “Here’s something you should know:” and then providing additional information.

For example,

• • When you’re Introducing a list: I went to the store and purchased four items: bread, butter, milk, and egg.

• Giving an explanation or an example
• Adding a phrase or conversation

Remember that anything coming after a colon should add to what comes before it. It’s as if you’re providing your readers something additional to help them understand your message.

Dashes

The dash is usually misunderstood or is not used properly. It’s a punctuation mark that can add excitement and strength to your text. Dashes have two forms: the em dash (—) and the en dash (–), in which the former is more commonly used in writing. Dashes may represent an unexpected pause in thought, a break in concentration, or a sudden change in direction within a sentence. When used correctly, they can be very effective in writing.

Here’s an example:

Sheena woke up late—missed her school van—and had to walk to school.

Colon Vs Semicolon

Examples of Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

1. I have three favorite cities: Paris, London, and New York.
2. The ingredients used to make the cupcakes are flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
3. She’s good at many sports: swimming, tennis, football and basketball.
4. My to-do list is very long: clean the house; do the laundry; and do grocery shopping.
5. The book was divided into three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
6. After a long and hard-working day; Selena came back home safely
7. She knew what her parents were gonna say; she just didn’t want to react that time.
8. The cat was white; the dog was brown.
9. He had one rule: always be kind.
10. The storm caused chaos: trees were uprooted, power lines fell, and houses were damaged.
11. I saw her yesterday – she looked happy.
12. We must act quickly – time is running out.
13. The exam consisted of three sections: multiple choice, short answer, and long answer.
14. The meeting was productive; we covered all the main headlines.
15. He loved the classics: Shakespeare, Austen, and Dickens.
16. She was determined to finish her assignment – nobody could distract her.
17. He had many hobbies: gardening, painting, and playing the guitar.
18. The journey was long; however, we finally reached our destination.
19. The problem was clear: lack of communication.
20. She had a simple philosophy: work hard and stay humble.