1. Colons and semi-colons
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2. 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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3. 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.
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Why could this list be confusing?

4. 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.
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5. 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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6. 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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7. 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.
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8. 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.
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9. 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.
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10. 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.
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11. Colon or semi-colon? Move on
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.
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12. 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.