Why avoid colons
and semicolons?
State the point in a complete sentence.
Explain the connection in words. Use each choice to make the intended meaning explicit.
By Adam Frick · First draft
Both punctuation marks have legitimate uses. I nevertheless recommend avoiding both marks in most ordinary writing. A structure using complete sentences and explicit connections usually gives the writer a better way to explain the intended meaning.
My concern begins with the reader. The reader needs to know what each sentence says and how each idea relates to the surrounding ideas. A punctuation mark can suggest a connection while leaving the writer’s reasoning unstated. The following examples distinguish grammatical correctness from effective writing. A sentence can follow the punctuation rules and still benefit from revision.
1. A semicolon leaves the connection to the reader.
The Australian Government Style Manual describes how semicolons connect related clauses and separate complex list items. A semicolon can join two complete clauses. The punctuation tells the reader that the clauses belong together, but the mark does not specify whether the second clause gives a cause, a consequence, a contrast or simply the next event.
The team missed the deadline; the editor postponed publication.
The editor postponed publication because the team missed the deadline.
The revision names the cause. The original could describe a sequence of events without explaining why the editor postponed publication. The writer needs to decide which relationship the sentence should express.
Only use “because” when the intended claim describes a cause supported by the evidence. If the sentence records a sequence, write “The team missed the deadline. The editor later postponed publication.” The word “later” expresses chronology without claiming causation. A semicolon can make the relationship look settled before the writer has actually explained the relationship. I would rather ask the writer to name the connection.
2. Give separate ideas separate sentences.
The revised draft is shorter; the argument remains difficult to follow.
The revised draft is shorter. In spite of the reduced length, the argument remains difficult to follow.
Both versions are grammatical. The revision gives each observation a complete sentence and names the contrast. The shorter draft has not solved the problem with the argument.
Joining two clauses can encourage a writer to keep adding qualifications to a sentence that already has enough work to do. Separate sentences give the writer an opportunity to choose a clear subject and main verb for each idea. A full stop does not break the argument when the next sentence carries the argument forward. Repeat a useful noun, choose an appropriate connecting word and show how the next idea follows. Cohesion depends on those decisions, not on keeping every related idea inside one sentence.
3. A colon can postpone the actual claim.
The editor identified a problem: the argument lacked evidence.
The editor found that the argument lacked evidence.
The first version announces a problem and then explains the problem. The revision uses one subject and main verb to introduce the finding directly. The reader reaches the substance without a preliminary announcement.
The Style Manual’s guidance on colons describes uses including introductions to lists and explanations. A colon can introduce an explanation effectively. Before retaining the mark, check whether the words before the colon do useful work. A writer may announce information indirectly through a phrase such as “a problem”, “one important point” or “a significant issue”.
The decision concerns structure. Removing the colon without rewriting the sentence may produce a comma splice or leave a fragment. Revise the whole sentence to preserve the intended meaning within a complete grammatical structure.
4. A list often needs no announcement.
The review covers three areas: structure, evidence and wording.
The review covers structure, evidence and wording.
The revision removes the announcement and keeps every item. The verb “covers” introduces the list without a colon. The count may deserve a place when the surrounding paragraph develops the three areas in order. A colon may also help introduce a displayed list. My preference for revision depends on whether the announcement helps the reader understand the structure.
For a long list, consider a set of bullet points or several sentences. Semicolons can separate list items containing commas, but punctuation alone cannot make an overloaded list easy to follow. Give the reader a structure that supports the information.
5. Punctuation should serve the explanation.
A writer can give prose a formal appearance by using colons and semicolons. A formal appearance does not establish precision, depth or a convincing argument. The words must still identify the subject and explain the relationship between the ideas.
I usually prefer a complete sentence that states the point directly, followed by another complete sentence that develops the point. A connecting word can name a consequence, qualification or contrast. A repeated noun can keep the subject visible.
Replacing every colon or semicolon with a dash would preserve many of the same structural problems. The useful task is to decide what each idea contributes and how the ideas connect. My argument favours avoiding colons and semicolons in most ordinary prose. Both marks remain available when a deliberate use helps the reader. A mark deserves a place because the sentence works more effectively with the mark.
Review a paragraph of your own writing.
Find each colon and semicolon. For each mark, identify the subject and main verb on either side. Check whether the mark joins complete clauses, introduces a phrase or separates items in a list.
Write the relationship in words. Decide whether the second idea explains the first, contrasts with the first, follows from the first or adds another observation. Check that the explanation says only what the evidence supports.
Try a revision using complete sentences, an explicit connecting word or a simpler list. Compare the versions for meaning, emphasis and ease of following the argument. Retain the colon or semicolon when the original version serves the reader better. Otherwise, use the revision. The aim is effective writing and the punctuation should support that aim.
Editor, writer and educator · Effective English