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Primary English · Year 6Chapter 8 · Semi-colons, colons, dashes, bullet points and hyphens
Year 6 · Chapter 8

Semi-colons, colons, dashes, bullet points and hyphens

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Join two closely related sentences with a semi-colon, and start the second clause with a small letter
  • Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list
  • Use a dash, with a space either side, to mark a boundary between two clauses
  • Punctuate a bulleted list consistently
  • Use a hyphen to show what goes with what, and to avoid a misreading

You should already know

  • Full stops, commas and sentences (Year 4 punctuation)
  • Direct speech and its punctuation (Chapter 9 of this book, and Year 4 Chapter 5)

Where this leads

  • Brackets, dashes and commas for parenthesis (Chapter 9 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 English, Year 6. Content: Use a semi-colon, colon or dash to mark the boundary between two independent clauses (Y5-6 punctuation), Use a colon to introduce a list or an explanation (Y5-6 punctuation), Punctuate bullet points consistently, as fragments or as complete sentences (Y5-6 punctuation), Use a hyphen to avoid ambiguity, e.g. re-cover and recover, and in compound adjectives (Y5-6 punctuation).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWhich punctuation mark ends a sentence that makes a statement? Write the mark only.
2
FWrite the capital letter needed at the start of this sentence: the bus is late. Write the first word only.
3
FWhich word is an independent clause in She was tired, so she went to bed? Write the first two words of it.
4
FWrite the plural of the noun child. Write the word only.
5
FWrite the word that means a short line that joins two words. Write the word only.
8.1

The semi-colon between two independent clauses

Year 6
Use a semi-colon to mark the boundary between two independent clauses (Y5-6 punctuation)
Video lesson: The semi-colon between two independent clausesComing soon
Story. Noor is writing about the day the school trip was cancelled. She writes that it rained all day; the match was cancelled, and the whole class was disappointed.

A semi-colon (;) joins two independent clauses, which could each stand alone as a sentence. Use it when the two ideas are closely related. The second clause starts with a small letter after the semi-colon, unless it is a name or a proper noun.

Two sentences and one semi-colon

Two sentencesJoined with a semi-colon
It rained all day. The match was cancelled.It rained all day; the match was cancelled.
The shop was closed. We walked home instead.The shop was closed; we walked home instead.
The bell rang. The children ran into the hall.The bell rang; the children ran into the hall.

Key ideas

  • A semi-colon joins two closely related independent clauses.
  • Each clause could stand alone as a sentence.
  • The second clause starts with a small letter.
Worked example 8.1.1
Join with a semi-colon: The shop was closed. We walked home instead.

Method. Check that both parts could stand alone, then join them with a semi-colon.

  1. Check the first clause. The shop was closed could stand alone.
    The shop was closed
  2. Check the second clause. We walked home instead could stand alone.
    We walked home instead
  3. Join them. Use a semi-colon, and a small letter for the second clause.
    The shop was closed; we walked home instead.
  4. Write the answer.
    The shop was closed; we walked home instead.

Check. A semi-colon joins two independent clauses. ✓

Worked example 8.1.2
Join with a semi-colon: The bell rang. The children ran into the hall.

Method. Join two related clauses with a semi-colon.

  1. Check the clauses. Both clauses are complete.
    The bell rang / the children ran
  2. Join them. Use a semi-colon before the second clause.
    The bell rang; the children ran into the hall.
  3. Write the answer.
    The bell rang; the children ran into the hall.

Check. A semi-colon links the bell and the running. ✓

Worked example 8.1.3
Join with a semi-colon: The bridge is old. It has been repaired many times.

Method. Replace the full stop with a semi-colon, and make the next word a small letter.

  1. Find the full stop. The full stop between the two sentences is replaced.
    the bridge is old.
  2. Use the semi-colon. The semi-colon joins the closely related clauses.
    The bridge is old; it has been repaired many times.
  3. Write the answer.
    The bridge is old; it has been repaired many times.

Check. The semi-colon replaces the full stop. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a semi-colon is not a comma. Do not join two clauses with only a comma, which is called a comma splice.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read two joined sentences aloud, and to pause for the semi-colon. Ask whether the two ideas are closely linked.

Exercise 8A  Practice: semi-colons

1
FJoin these two sentences with a semi-colon: It rained all day. The match was cancelled.
2
FJoin these two sentences with a semi-colon: The shop was closed. We walked home instead.
3
FJoin these two sentences with a semi-colon: The bell rang. The children ran into the hall.
4
FJoin these two sentences with a semi-colon: She finished the puzzle. Her brother was still searching for the last piece.
5
FJoin these two sentences with a semi-colon: The bridge is old. It has been repaired many times.
6
FJoin these two sentences with a semi-colon: The farmer checked the fields. The sheep were safe in the barn.
7
PSWhich punctuation joins these two clauses correctly? It rained all day, the match was cancelled. Choose one: It rained all day; the match was cancelled. or It rained all day, the match was cancelled..
8
RExplain in one sentence why a semi-colon is used between two independent clauses, not a comma.
9
PSCorrect the punctuation: The sun set, the sky turned red. Write the corrected sentence.
10
PSWrite one sentence with a semi-colon that joins two clauses about the weather.
11
RIn this sentence, which two words are joined by a semi-colon? Ella read the book; Sam watched the film. Write the two subjects.
12
FJoin with a semi-colon: The farmer checked the fields. The sheep were safe in the barn.
13
PSWrite one sentence about a trip, in which a semi-colon joins two related clauses.
14
RWhy does the word after a semi-colon usually start with a small letter? Answer in one sentence.
15
FJoin with a semi-colon: The concert was loud. The audience cheered at the end.
16
RExplain why Paris keeps its capital letter after a semi-colon, if it is a name in the second clause.
8.2

The colon to introduce a list or an explanation

Year 6
Use a colon to introduce a list or an explanation (Y5-6 punctuation)
Video lesson: The colon to introduce a list or an explanationComing soon
Story. Leo is packing for the camping trip. He makes a list, and he writes a colon before it, because the list explains what he needs for the night.

A colon (:) introduces a list or an explanation. Use it after a complete sentence. The words before the colon must make sense on their own.

Colon before a list

IntroductionThe list
She packed three things for the tripa torch, a map and a flask
The recipe needs four ingredientsflour, eggs, milk and sugar
The club meets on three daysMonday, Wednesday and Friday

Key ideas

  • A colon comes after a complete sentence, and introduces a list or an explanation.
  • Do not put a colon straight after a verb, such as is or are.
  • List items are separated by commas, with and before the last item.
Worked example 8.2.1
Add a colon to introduce the list: She packed three things for the trip: a torch, a map and a flask. Write the mark that goes before the list.

Method. The colon goes after the introduction, before the list.

  1. Find the introduction. She packed three things for the trip is a complete sentence.
    She packed three things for the trip
  2. Find the list. A torch, a map and a flask is the list.
    a torch, a map and a flask
  3. Place the colon. The colon goes between the introduction and the list.
    :
  4. Write the answer.
    :

Check. The colon goes after the complete sentence. ✓

Worked example 8.2.2
Write the sentence with a colon before the list: The club meets on three days Monday Wednesday Friday.

Method. Put a colon after the introduction, then the list.

  1. Find the introduction. The club meets on three days is a complete sentence.
    The club meets on three days
  2. Write the list. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the three days.
    Monday, Wednesday and Friday
  3. Add the colon. A colon is placed after the introduction.
    The club meets on three days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
  4. Write the answer.
    The club meets on three days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Check. The colon introduces the three days. ✓

Worked example 8.2.3
Which is correct: The recipe needs: flour, eggs and milk. or The recipe needs flour, eggs and milk.?

Method. Check where the colon is allowed.

  1. Check the first sentence. The colon comes straight after needs, which is a verb.
    needs:
  2. Check the second sentence. The list follows the verb with no colon.
    needs flour
  3. Write the answer.
    The recipe needs flour, eggs and milk.

Check. No colon is needed after a verb. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: do not put a colon straight after a verb, such as is, are or needs. Put the colon after a complete sentence.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to write a list of things they need for a day out, with a colon after a full sentence that introduces it.

Exercise 8B  Practice: colons

1
FWrite the sentence with a colon before the list: She packed three things for the trip: a torch, a map, a flask
2
FWrite the sentence with a colon before the list: The recipe needs four ingredients: flour, eggs, milk, sugar
3
FWrite the sentence with a colon before the list: The club meets on three days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
4
FWrite the sentence with a colon before the list: The garden has many plants: roses, tulips, daisies
5
PSWhich sentence uses a colon correctly? Choose one: The team needs: a ball and a net. or The team needs a ball and a net..
6
PSWrite one sentence with a colon, that introduces a list of three animals.
7
PSAdd a colon to introduce an explanation: Mia had one problem she could not solve she had lost her key. Write the corrected sentence.
8
RWhich sentence has the colon in the right place? Write the letter A or B.
9
FWrite the sentence with a colon before the list: The school day has three parts: registration, lessons, lunch
10
FWrite the explanation that follows the colon in this sentence: The rule is clear: every pupil must wear a name badge. Write the explanation only.
11
RExplain in one sentence why a colon comes after a complete sentence, not after a verb.
12
PSWrite the sentence with a colon before the list: The garden has many plants: roses, tulips, daisies
13
PSWrite a sentence with a colon that introduces the three colours of the flag: red, white and blue.
8.3

The dash to mark a boundary between two clauses

Year 6
Use a dash to mark the boundary between two independent clauses (Y5-6 punctuation)
Video lesson: The dash to mark a boundary between two clausesComing soon
Story. Sam is describing a sports day. He writes that the sun rose early – the field was already full of families, and the races began on time.

A dash (–) can mark the boundary between two independent clauses, as a semi-colon does. In UK writing, put a space either side of the dash. The second clause starts with a small letter, unless it begins with a name.

Two sentences and one dash

Two sentencesJoined with a dash
She finished the puzzle. Her brother was still searching for the last piece.She finished the puzzle – her brother was still searching for the last piece.
The bridge is old. It has been repaired many times.The bridge is old – it has been repaired many times.

Key ideas

  • A dash marks a boundary between two independent clauses.
  • Put a space either side of the dash.
  • The second clause starts with a small letter.
Worked example 8.3.1
Join with a dash: The sun rose early. The field was already full.

Method. Replace the full stop with a spaced dash, and use a small letter after it.

  1. Find the full stop. The full stop between the two sentences is replaced.
    early.
  2. Use the dash. A spaced dash marks the boundary between the two clauses.
    –
  3. Write the sentence. The second clause starts with a small letter.
    The sun rose early – the field was already full.
  4. Write the answer.
    The sun rose early – the field was already full.

Check. The dash marks the boundary. ✓

Worked example 8.3.2
Which is correct: The bell rang–the children ran. or The bell rang – the children ran.?

Method. Check the spaces around the dash.

  1. Check the first. There are no spaces around the dash.
    rang–the
  2. Check the second. There is a space either side of the dash.
    rang – the
  3. Write the answer.
    The bell rang – the children ran.

Check. A spaced dash is used in UK writing. ✓

Worked example 8.3.3
Join with a dash: The shop was closed. We walked home instead.

Method. Join two related clauses with a spaced dash.

  1. Check the clauses. Both clauses are complete.
    two clauses
  2. Join them. Use a spaced dash, then a small letter.
    The shop was closed – we walked home instead.
  3. Write the answer.
    The shop was closed – we walked home instead.

Check. The dash joins the two clauses. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: use a space either side of a dash in UK writing (a – b), and a small letter after it when it joins two clauses.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read a sentence with a dash aloud, and to pause at the dash. Then ask them to explain the link between the two clauses.

Exercise 8C  Practice: dashes

1
FJoin these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: It rained all day. The match was cancelled.
2
FJoin these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: The shop was closed. We walked home instead.
3
FJoin these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: The bell rang. The children ran into the hall.
4
FJoin these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: She finished the puzzle. Her brother was still searching for the last piece.
5
FJoin these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: The bridge is old. It has been repaired many times.
6
FJoin these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: The farmer checked the fields. The sheep were safe in the barn.
7
PSWhich dash is written correctly in UK writing? Choose one: The bell rang – the children ran. or The bell rang--the children ran..
8
RExplain in one sentence why a dash can be used instead of a semi-colon between two independent clauses.
9
PSCorrect the punctuation: The team won the match.The crowd cheered. Use a dash instead of the full stop, and write the sentence.
10
FJoin with a dash: It was late. We ran to the bus. Write the new sentence.
11
FJoin with a dash: The bridge is old. It has been repaired many times. Write the new sentence.
12
PSWrite one sentence with a dash that joins two clauses about the weather.
13
RWhich mark is missing from The sun rose early the field was full.? Write the mark as it appears in the sentence: a semi-colon or a dash.
14
FJoin these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: It rained all day. The match was cancelled.
15
RExplain why the second clause after a dash starts with a small letter, in one sentence.
8.4

Bullet points: punctuated consistently

Year 6
Punctuate bullet points consistently, as fragments or as complete sentences (Y5-6 punctuation)
Video lesson: Bullet points: punctuated consistentlyComing soon
Story. The school newsletter has a list of things to bring to the camp. The list is set out as bullet points, and each one is punctuated in the same way.

Bullet points set out a list. Each bullet must be punctuated consistently. Either every bullet is a fragment (a phrase with no full stop), or every bullet is a complete sentence, starting with a capital letter and ending with a full stop.

Two consistent lists

Fragments (no full stop)Complete sentences (full stops)
a coatBring a coat.
sensible shoesWear sensible shoes.
check the weatherCheck the weather.

Key ideas

  • Keep bullet points consistent: all fragments, or all complete sentences.
  • Fragments do not need a full stop; complete sentences do.
  • Start each complete sentence with a capital letter.
Worked example 8.4.1
Is this list consistent? a coat; Wear sensible shoes; check the weather. Answer yes or no.

Method. Check each bullet for its capital letter and its full stop.

  1. Check the first. a coat starts with a small letter, and has no full stop.
    a coat
  2. Check the second. Wear sensible shoes has a capital, but no full stop.
    Wear sensible shoes
  3. Decide. The bullets mix styles, so the list is not consistent.
    no
  4. Write the answer.
    no

Check. The list mixes styles. ✓

Worked example 8.4.2
Which version is consistent? Choose the fragments version: a coat, sensible shoes, check the weather.

Method. Check whether each bullet has a full stop.

  1. Check the bullets. None of the three bullets has a full stop.
    no full stops
  2. Decide. Every bullet is a fragment, so the list is consistent.
    fragments
  3. Write the answer.
    fragments

Check. Every bullet is a fragment. ✓

Worked example 8.4.3
Which bullet is a complete sentence, so that it needs a full stop: a coat or Bring a coat? Write the bullet with its punctuation.

Method. A complete sentence has a verb, a capital letter and a full stop.

  1. Check a coat. A coat is a phrase, with no verb.
    a coat
  2. Check Bring a coat. Bring a coat has a verb and starts with a capital.
    Bring a coat
  3. Punctuate it. A complete sentence needs a full stop at the end.
    Bring a coat.
  4. Write the answer.
    Bring a coat.

Check. A complete sentence ends with a full stop. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: do not mix fragments and sentences in one list. Choose one style, and use it for every bullet.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to write a list of three things for a picnic, first as fragments, then as complete sentences.

Exercise 8D  Practice: bullet points

1
PSWhich list is consistent? Choose one: a coat; wear shoes; check the weather or a coat, wear shoes, check the weather.
2
PSRewrite these bullets so that they are consistent, as fragments: Bring a coat. sensible shoes. Check the weather. Write the corrected list in one line.
3
FWhich of these bullets is a complete sentence? Write the bullet only: a coat or Bring a coat.
4
FMake these bullets consistent as complete sentences: bring a coat / wear sensible shoes / check the weather. Write the first bullet only.
5
RExplain in one sentence why the bullets in a list should all follow the same style.
6
PSWrite three consistent bullets, as complete sentences, about a trip to the zoo.
7
PSWhich bullet has the wrong punctuation, if the list is complete sentences: Wear sensible shoes? Write the bullet as it should be.
8
PSWrite a bulleted list of three fragments about a picnic, with consistent punctuation.
9
RExplain in one sentence the difference between a fragment bullet and a sentence bullet.
8.5

Hyphens to avoid ambiguity, and in compound adjectives

Year 6
Use a hyphen to avoid ambiguity, such as re-cover and recover, and in compound adjectives (Y5-6 punctuation)
Video lesson: Hyphens to avoid ambiguity, and in compound adjectivesComing soon
Story. The shop has a re-cover sale for old sofas, and a sign that says a second-hand car is for sale. The owner is well-known in the town, and she says the sign was written in a hurry.

A hyphen (-) joins words to show what goes with what. It can stop a misreading: re-sign means to sign again, but resign means to leave a job. A hyphen also joins words in compound adjectives, such as well-known or second-hand.

Hyphens that change the meaning

With a hyphenMeaningWithoutMeaning
re-signto sign againresignto leave a job
re-coverto cover againrecoverto get better

Key ideas

  • A hyphen can show that words belong together, and stop a misreading.
  • Compound adjectives before a noun often use a hyphen, such as a well-known author.
  • Numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine use a hyphen.
Worked example 8.5.1
What does re-cover mean, with the hyphen? Choose the meaning: to cover again, or to get better.

Method. Look at the hyphen and the word.

  1. Find the hyphen. The hyphen separates re and cover.
    re-cover
  2. Read the meaning. re- means again, so re-cover means to cover again.
    cover again
  3. Check the other word. Recover, without the hyphen, means to get better.
    to cover again
  4. Write the answer.
    to cover again

Check. re- means again. ✓

Worked example 8.5.2
Which word means to leave a job: re-sign or resign?

Method. Check which word means to leave a job.

  1. Think about the meaning. To leave a job is resign.
    leave a job
  2. Check re-sign. re-sign means to sign again, so it is not the answer.
    re-sign
  3. Choose the word. Resign, with no hyphen, means to leave a job.
    resign
  4. Write the answer.
    resign

Check. resign means to leave a job. ✓

Worked example 8.5.3
Write the compound adjective with a hyphen that means not new, used by someone else.

Method. Join the words with a hyphen to make one adjective.

  1. Find the words. Second and hand together describe a used object.
    second hand
  2. Join them with a hyphen. The hyphen joins them into one adjective.
    second-hand
  3. Write the answer.
    second-hand

Check. second-hand is a compound adjective. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a hyphen can change the meaning. Check which word you mean before you write re-sign or resign.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to write re-sign and resign on paper, and to say the meaning of each one aloud.

Exercise 8E  Practice: hyphens

1
FWrite the word with a hyphen that means: a shark that eats people.
2
FWrite the word with a hyphen that means: famous, and known by many people.
3
FWrite the word with a hyphen that means: not new, used by someone else.
4
FWrite the word with a hyphen that means: the number 21.
5
PSWhich word means to cover again? Choose one: recover or re-cover.
6
PSWhich word means to get better after an illness? Choose one: re-cover or recover.
7
PSWhich word means to leave a job? Choose one: re-sign or resign.
8
FWrite the compound adjective with a hyphen that means famous, and known by many people.
9
RExplain in one sentence why the hyphen in re-sign matters.
10
PSCorrect the spelling in this sentence: The shop sells second hand books, and the owner is well known. Write the corrected sentence.
11
PSWrite a sentence using re-cover with its meaning clear, about a sofa.
12
PSWrite a sentence about a person, using the compound adjective well-known before a noun.
13
RExplain in one sentence why a hyphen helps the reader with a man-eating shark.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Semi-colonJoins two independent clauses that are closely related: It rained; the match was cancelled.
ColonComes after a complete sentence, and introduces a list or an explanation.
DashMarks a boundary between two clauses, with a space either side in UK writing.
Bullet pointsPunctuated consistently: all fragments, or all complete sentences.
HyphenShows what goes with what, avoids ambiguity: re-sign and resign; compound adjectives such as well-known.

Can you…?

  • I can join two independent clauses with a semi-colon
  • I can use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list or an explanation
  • I can use a spaced dash to mark a boundary between two clauses
  • I can punctuate bullet points consistently
  • I can use a hyphen to avoid ambiguity, and in compound adjectives

Key terms

independent clause
a group of words with a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a sentence
semi-colon
a mark (;) that joins two independent clauses that are closely related
colon
a mark (:) that introduces a list or an explanation
dash
a mark (–) that marks a boundary between two clauses, with a space either side in UK writing
bullet point
a point in a list, shown with a symbol such as a dot
fragment
a phrase that is not a complete sentence
hyphen
a short mark (-) that joins two words
compound adjective
two or more words joined by a hyphen to describe a noun, such as well-known
ambiguity
when a sentence can be read in more than one way

Exercise 8Z  Check-up

1
Join these two sentences with a semi-colon: It rained all day. The match was cancelled.
2
Join these two sentences with a dash, with a space either side: She finished the puzzle. Her brother was still searching for the last piece.
3
Write the sentence with a colon before the list: The club meets on three days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
4
Which is correct? Choose one: The team needs: a ball and a net. or The team needs a ball and a net..
5
Which bullet list is consistent? Write the list as fragments, with no full stops: a coat. Wear shoes. check the weather
6
Which word means to leave a job? Choose one: re-sign or resign.
7
Write the word with a hyphen that means: famous, and known by many people.
8
Explain in one sentence why a semi-colon can join two clauses.
9
Correct this sentence: The bridge is old, it has been repaired many times. Use a semi-colon instead of a comma.
10
Write the explanation with a colon: The rule is simple: wear your badge. Write the mark that comes before the explanation.

Total 20 marks. Allow about 20 minutes.

Exercise 8X  Practice test questions

1
PSJoin these two sentences with a semi-colon: The shop was closed. We walked home instead. Write the new sentence.[2 marks]
2
PSWrite the sentence with a colon before the list: The club meets on three days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Write the new sentence.[2 marks]
3
PSJoin these two sentences with a dash: The sun rose early. The field was already full. Write the new sentence.[2 marks]
4
FWrite the word that means not new, used by someone else, with a hyphen. Write the word only.[1 mark]
5
FWhich word means to leave a job: re-sign or resign? Write the word only.[1 mark]
6
PSWrite the bullet list as fragments, with consistent punctuation: Bring a coat. Wear sensible shoes. Check the weather. Write the list in one line, separated by commas.[2 marks]
7
RExplain in one sentence why a colon must come after a complete sentence, not after a verb.[2 marks]
8
PSCorrect this sentence: The bridge is old, it has been repaired many times. Use a semi-colon instead of the comma. Write the corrected sentence.[2 marks]
9
RExplain in one or two sentences why a hyphen changes the meaning of re-cover compared with recover.[2 marks]
10
PSWrite one sentence with a semi-colon that joins two clauses about a day at the beach.[3 marks]
11
FWhich dash is written correctly in UK writing: The bell rang–the children ran. or The bell rang – the children ran.? Write the correct sentence.[1 mark]
← Chapter 7: Formal and informal English and the subjunctiveChapter 9: Brackets, dashes, commas and speech →

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