Colons versus semicolons – Yes, they are different!
Over the past few months I have noticed grammatical errors
using colons (:) and semicolons (;) incorrectly, but I have seen these errors
much more consistently lately in staff agendas, emails, coursework, and various
publications. People use colons and semicolons synonymously, but they do have
different purposes. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to explain
some of the uses of these punctuation marks. Keep in mind that I am writing
this is the context of academic (formal) writing.
Colon Uses
1. Colons may be used to introduce lists.
Besides the main
campus in Mukono, there are three locations of Uganda Christian University:
Arua, Mbale, and Kabale.
According to Mukisa
(2013), the following reasons for failing Writing and Study Skills are: not
completing coursework, dodging class, and failing the final exam.
2. Colons may be used to indicate a sub-title or subdivision
of a topic.
The History of Uganda:
A Personal View
3. Colons may also be used in writing references to separate
the location and publisher in APA style.
Oyot, B. (2014). The
history of Uganda. Kampala, UG: Fountain Publishers.
4. Colons may be used to separate time. 3:45
5. Colons are used in the manuscripts of plays/dramas.
The Black Mamba
Namuddu:
Berewa:
Professor Coax:
6. Colons are used in the salutation of a business letter.
Dear Sir/Madam:
Semi-colon Uses
Disclaimer: Semi-colons are not used frequently in
contemporary English. Full stops and commas are much more common.
1. Semi-colons are sometimes used to separate items in a
sequence or list, especially when the list involves phrases of words.
Reckless driving in
Uganda is caused by inadequately prepared drivers; ill-maintained vehicles; and
poorly maintained roads.
2. Semi-colons may also be used instead of full stops to
separate two main clauses. The clauses remain grammatically separate but are
linked in meaning.
Some students dodge
class; most students attend class.
Kampala is the largest
city; Jinja is the most industrialized area.
So next time you see a colon or semi-colon, I expect you to
use it correctly!!
