Q. How do I use semicolons and colons?

Semicolons and colons are not used in writing very often, so it can be difficult to understand how to use them. The following is a quick rundown of when they are used most:

• Colons are generally used after a complete sentence to set up a list, a quote, or a thought.
• Semicolons are most often used to link complete, closely related sentences together or to separate items in a list that already have commas within them.

For more specific guidance and examples, please see the linked handout: