College Composition / Unit 8 CMP 0193 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Choosing Among Semicolon, Colon and Dash
The idea
The semicolon, the colon and the dash can each join material to a sentence, and choosing among them depends on the relationship.
In practice
Work in order. First, check both sides: if each is an independent clause and they are equal and closely related, a semicolon fits. Second, if the second part explains, lists or summarizes what the first part announces, use a colon, and make sure the first part is a complete sentence. Third, if the second part interrupts, adds emphasis or turns in a new direction, a dash fits, or a pair of dashes for material in the middle. Fourth, if the added material is a quiet aside, consider parentheses instead. Fifth, if none of these relationships holds, a period or a comma with a conjunction may be better.
Where people slip
These marks are not interchangeable decorations. A colon promises that what follows fulfills what came before; a semicolon promises balance. Pick the mark whose promise the sentence keeps.
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