Semicolons and Colons for Kids: When to Use Each One (Grade 7 and 8 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Semicolons and colons look similar, but they do different jobs. A semicolon is a dot over a comma. A colon is two dots. Let's learn when to use each.

A semicolon joins two complete sentences that are closely related. It rained all day; the game was canceled. Each side could stand alone as its own sentence.

Do not use a semicolon to join a sentence to a fragment. Wrong. I like soup; especially tomato. Especially tomato cannot stand alone, so a comma works better there.

Semicolons can also separate items in a list when the items already have commas. We visited Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Boise, Idaho. This keeps the list clear.

A colon introduces something. It often comes before a list. Pack three things: a flashlight, a map and water. The words before a colon should be a complete sentence.

A colon can also introduce an explanation or an example. She had one goal: to win the spelling bee. The part after the colon explains the part before it.

Now it's your turn. Which mark fits? I finished my essay, blank, now I can relax. Semicolon or colon? Pause and try. A semicolon fits, because it joins two related complete sentences.

Great job! Remember, a semicolon joins related complete sentences. A colon introduces a list, an explanation or an example. Practice semicolons and colons in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!