Vagabond Punctuation

1. To introduce a list. However, remember to read your sentence first because we only ever use any punctuation when we’re pausing for a moment so a colon may not always be needed before the list:
You have two options: joining the queue or buying the book online.

2. To create a response from the reader to some direct speech, introduce it with a colon. This means readers will focus their attention on what comes after the colon:

He remarked: ‘People need to go on fewer holidays but go on holiday for longer’.

You can also use a colon to introduce a long quotation:
Elizabeth Bennet said: ‘The more I see of the world, the more I am dissatisfied with it’.
3. To separate two parts of a sentence. The second part enlarges on an idea in the first part. The second part is often where the reader’s attention should be placed because it contains very important information:
He made a good choice: the book was cheaper online.

1. Separate items in a list. If the items in a list are longer than two words, use a semicolon instead:
I need lots of things from the shop: milk, eggs, sugar, marmalade.

2. To identify clauses in a complex sentence:
Punctuation may, if used well, enhance the quality of your writing.
3. To act like brackets:

My cat, early every morning, enjoys exploring everything in the garden.

4. To break up a sentence so it’s easier to read:
To make a cup of tea, pour boiling water from the kettle onto the teabag and leave for a short time.

5. To introduce direct speech (and sometimes to end it, too). Only use a colon to introduce direct speech if you want to create a special response in the reader:
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea,’ said Mark, ‘and that’s why we need to think about it more carefully.’

6. When writing a number that has four or more digits:
4,895 or 23,855

Don’t use a comma:
1. Between nouns in apposition (i.e. words/phrases that work in parallel to enhance each other):
The filmmaker John Smith left the USA six months ago to train in digital skills.

2. When writing dates:

Mini skirts were invented in the 1960s.
20th March 2024 is the first date of spring.

1. Separate items in a list when the entries in the list are more than two words. If the entries are one or two words, use a comma instead.
People can learn in various ways: in a traditional school setting; in a forest school; remotely via online or distance learning; or while working in paid employment.

2. To separate parts of a sentence – called finite clauses - in a stronger way than a comma. The parts could otherwise be sentences on their own. The parts contain ideas which are closely related, and you want to show this relation, so a semicolon is better than a full stop because a full stop is too divisive, and a comma is too weak.

          Notice how the use of a semicolon or a full stop changes the meaning of the sentences slightly:

  Learning remotely via online or distance learning can be liberating; you can learn from anywhere in the world.

  Learning remotely via online or distance learning can be liberating. You can learn from anywhere in the world.