Colons, semicolons and hyphens: what children learn
Colons, semicolons and hyphens are small marks that do big jobs. A colon (:) introduces a list or an explanation after a complete sentence. A semicolon (;) 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.
Advanced punctuation enrichment. Common Core places semicolons and colons in Grades 9–10; this suggested Grade 6 challenge is not a Grade 6 standards claim.
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 semicolon: '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 semicolons 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 semicolon marks the boundary.
Answer: semicolon (;)
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 semicolon, a period 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 semicolon to introduce a list. Remember: colons introduce, semicolons 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 semicolon: '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 students to rewrite comma splices from a sample text using semicolons, and discuss whether a period or conjunction would also work.
- Explore hyphen ambiguity with drawings: students 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.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a color-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?
A colon introduces something, such as a list or an explanation. A semicolon joins two closely linked sentences or separates list items that contain commas.
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Advanced punctuation enrichment. Common Core places semicolons and colons in Grades 9–10; this suggested Grade 6 challenge is not a Grade 6 standards claim.
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Advanced punctuation enrichment. Common Core places semicolons and colons in Grades 9–10; this suggested Grade 6 challenge is not a Grade 6 standards claim.