Myriora English › Grammar and punctuation › Chapter 4: Punctuation

Colons and semicolons

Ages 9–11Chapter 4 · Lesson 10

In this lesson

A colon introduces a list or an explanation.
A semicolon joins two closely linked main clauses.
Check that both sides of a semicolon could stand alone.

Your turn

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Show the answer

I love reading; my sister loves painting. Both sides could be sentences on their own.

The common mistake

Here's a common mistake. Lots of people use a semicolon where one side can't stand on its own. Because it was raining can't be a sentence by itself. So use a comma there instead: because it was raining, we stayed in.

Try it at home

Pack the bag: write a sentence with a colon before a list of things for a trip. Then write two linked facts about the trip joined by a semicolon, and check each half could stand alone.

Read the whole lesson

Hello, and welcome to Myriora English! Colons and semicolons look alike, but they do different jobs.

A colon introduces something that follows. It can introduce a list: I need three things: flour, eggs and milk. Or it can introduce an explanation: we stayed inside: it was pouring with rain.

A semicolon joins two main clauses that are closely linked. Each side could be a sentence on its own. It was late; we went home. The sun came out; the snow began to melt.

Let's try one together. Colon or semicolon? You will need these things, blank, a coat, a hat and some gloves. Say it out loud!

A colon! It introduces a list. Well done if you said a colon!

Your turn! Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly? Pick the right card. You've got eight seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! I love reading; my sister loves painting. Both sides could be sentences on their own.

Quick review. A colon introduces a list or an explanation. A semicolon joins two closely linked main clauses. Check that both sides of a semicolon could stand alone. See you next time!