Colons, semi-colons and hyphens: what children learn
Colons, semi-colons and hyphens are small marks that do big jobs. A colon (:) introduces a list or an explanation after a complete sentence. A semi-colon (;) joins two complete sentences that are closely linked, and separates items in a list when the items already contain commas. A hyphen (-) joins words together so that the meaning is clear: a man-eating shark is very different from a man eating shark.
In Years 5 and 6 the National Curriculum asks pupils to use semi-colons, colons or dashes to mark boundaries between independent clauses, to use a colon to introduce a list, and to use hyphens to avoid ambiguity. English Appendix 2 places these in Year 6, and they often appear in the Year 6 grammar, punctuation and spelling test. In the game, children choose which mark belongs in the box. Dashes are never offered as a choice, because a dash can also be correct between two clauses.
This topic covers the Year 6 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Writing – vocabulary, grammar and punctuation): pupils should be taught to “using semi-colons, colons or dashes to mark boundaries between independent clauses; using a colon to introduce a list; using hyphens to avoid ambiguity”. Year 6 pupils are usually aged 10–11. These statements are in the shared Years 5 and 6 programme of study; English Appendix 2 places them in Year 6.
For families following US standards, the closest Common Core standard is L.9-10.2.a, which is taught in Grade 9–10. Common Core does not teach semi-colons and colons until Grades 9–10 (L.9-10.2.a and L.9-10.2.b), so this is a loose match.
How to play
Answer 10 questions before the clock runs out. Tap an answer, or press 1 to 4. Each game has 10 multiple-choice questions and a 150-second timer. A wrong answer shows the correct one before moving on. You earn up to three stars depending on your score.
Step by step
- Is it a list?. If a complete sentence is followed by a list, use a colon to introduce it: 'I need three things: eggs, flour and milk.'
- Are there two complete sentences?. If the words on both sides of the box could each be a sentence on their own, and the ideas are closely linked, use a semi-colon: 'The bell rang; everyone rushed outside.'
- Do the list items contain commas?. When each item in a list already has a comma inside it (Leeds, England), use semi-colons between the items so the reader can tell them apart.
- Do two words work together?. If two words join to describe one thing (well-known, quick-thinking), or a prefix could cause confusion (re-cover), use a hyphen.
- Rule out the comma. A comma on its own is not strong enough to join two complete sentences. Using one there is called a comma splice.
Worked examples
Example 1: We visited three cities ▢ Rome, Paris and Madrid.
Working: 'We visited three cities' is a complete sentence, and a list follows, so use a colon.
Answer: colon (:)
Example 2: Maya loves art ▢ her brother prefers sport.
Working: Both parts are complete sentences and the ideas are linked, so a semi-colon marks the boundary.
Answer: semi-colon (;)
Example 3: We saw a man▢eating shark at the aquarium.
Working: The shark eats men. A hyphen joins man and eating to show they describe the shark together.
Answer: hyphen (-)
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Using a comma to join two sentences. Check whether both sides could stand alone. If they can, use a semi-colon, a full stop or a conjunction instead.
- Putting a colon after an incomplete sentence (We need: eggs and milk). The words before a colon should make a complete sentence. 'We need these things: eggs and milk' works.
- Using a semi-colon to introduce a list. Remember: colons introduce, semi-colons separate. A list starts with a colon.
- Confusing hyphens and dashes. A hyphen is short and joins words with no spaces (well-known). A dash is longer, has spaces around it and separates parts of a sentence.
Activities to try at home
- Write a packing list for a trip as one sentence with a colon, then read it aloud together.
- Find two linked facts about your day and join them with a semi-colon: 'It was sunny; we went to the park.'
- Hunt for hyphenated words on food packaging and signs, such as sugar-free or ready-made.
- Use the printable worksheet, then talk through the answer sheet together.
Ideas for the classroom
- Give groups a set of sentences with a box in each and a set of punctuation cards. They must agree on each mark and justify it.
- Ask pupils to rewrite comma splices from a sample text using semi-colons, and discuss whether a full stop or conjunction would also work.
- Explore hyphen ambiguity with drawings: pupils illustrate 'a man eating shark' and 'a man-eating shark'.
- Use the quiz as a revision starter in the run-up to the Key Stage 2 grammar, punctuation and spelling test.
Printable worksheet
The printable worksheet uses the same question generator as the game, so it practises exactly the same skills. It comes with a separate answer sheet on the second page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser's print menu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a colon and a semi-colon?
A colon introduces something, such as a list or an explanation. A semi-colon joins two closely linked sentences or separates list items that contain commas.
Can a dash be used instead of a semi-colon?
Yes. The national curriculum says semi-colons, colons or dashes can mark the boundary between independent clauses. That is why the game never offers a dash as a wrong answer.
Are these in the Year 6 SATs?
The Key Stage 2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test is based on the national curriculum, which includes colons, semi-colons and hyphens in Year 6, so they are often tested.