Do you capitalize after a colon or semicolon?

Do you use a capital letter after a semicolon? The general answer is no. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym. We can go to the museum to do some research; Mondays are pretty quiet there.

How do you use a semicolon after a colon?

Semicolon where a colon should go Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list. He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick. He took three things on the hike: his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.

Do you capitalize a sentence after a colon?

When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun. When a colon introduces a phrase or an incomplete sentence that is meant to add information to the sentence before it, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun.

Can I use a colon and semicolon in the same sentence?

Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities. Semicolons are used to separate each city and state from the next city and state in the list.

When should I use a colon or semicolon?

Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.

What is the correct way to use a colon?

between a grammatically complete introductory clause (one that could stand as a sentence) and a final phrase or clause that illustrates, extends, or amplifies the preceding thought. If the clause following the colon is a complete sentence, it begins with a capital letter.

Can I use a colon in an essay?

Using colons : If you use colons in your writing, use them sparingly, and never use a colon more than once in any sentence. Colons can be used to introduce a list, but they must follow a complete sentence (independent clause).

Should the first word after a semicolon be capitalized?

Semicolon Do not capitalize the first word in a list after a semicolon unless the word is a proper noun, e.g., During Julie’s vacation, she visited many Canadian cities, including St. John’s, which is one of Canada’s oldest cities; Ottawa , which is Canada’s capital city; and Toronto, which is Canada’s largest city.

Is a capital letter or a small letter used after a semicolon?

Do you use a capital letter after a semicolon? The general answer is no. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym. We can go to the museum to do some research; Mondays are pretty quiet there.

Should I capitalize the first word that comes after a colon?

Capitalization: First Word After a Colon. In British English, the first letter after a colon is capitalized only if it’s a proper noun or an acronym; in American English, the first word after a colon is sometimes capitalized if it begins a complete sentence.

How do you use semi colon in a sentence?

Using a colon when the two sentences have a definite relationship is an acceptable fix. Semi-colons are also used to correct comma splices. A semi-colon encourages the reader to form a relationship between two independent clauses: “The snow covered the walkways and entrances; officials called off school for the day.”.