Colons and semi-colons

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 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.
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 Colons and semi-colons in a list

When the items in the list are more complicated,

however, semi-colons may be needed to separate them.

Have a look at this list:

• The attractions of the theme park include: the

Turbo Charger, the highest rollercoaster in the
world, the Slippy Slidey, a water ride, and the
Whirler, a giant spinning wheel.

Why could this list be confusing?

Move on

© www.teachit.co.uk 2016 25920 3

 Colons and semi-colons in a list
To make each item in the list clear, the items
can be separated by semi-colons.

• The attractions of the theme park include: the

Turbo Charger, the highest rollercoaster in the
world; the Slippy Slidey, a water ride; and the
Whirler, a giant spinning wheel.

Move on

© www.teachit.co.uk 2016 25920 4

 What is a main clause?

A clause contains a verb and a subject. A

main clause can form a simple sentence in
its own right or can be combined with other
clauses or phrases to form compound and
complex sentences.

She poured the lemonade.

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 Colons and semi-colons to separate clauses

A colon is used to separate two main clauses

when one clause explains the other.
For example:

• She put ice cubes in the lemonade: it was

roasting hot that day.

• Mila drank the water: she was thirsty.

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 Colons and semi-colons to separate clauses

A semi-colon is used to separate two main clauses

that are related, but where one clause does not
explain the other.
For example:

• James loves ice cream; strawberry is his

favourite flavour.

• Jupiter is a planet in our solar system; it is

named after the ruler of the Roman gods.

Move on

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 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.

• I have finished my main course and I

need to order my dessert.

• Joe likes cake, while Jack prefers

crisps. Move on

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 Semi-colons and conjunctions - answers

• The pen went down the back of the

sofa; James could not reach it.

• I have finished my main course; I

need to order my dessert.

• Joe likes cake; Jack prefers crisps.

Move on

© www.teachit.co.uk 2016 25920 9

 Colons and semi-colons to join main clauses

What is the difference between these two

sentences?

• Max has a serious problem; he is going

to ask a teacher for help.

• Max has a serious problem: he is being

bullied.

Move on

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 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

© www.teachit.co.uk 2016 25920 11

 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.

© www.teachit.co.uk 2016 25920 12