Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. As if on cue, to curb my wayward thoughts, last week i received in the mail a copy of a little book put out by an english firm. They often make better separators than the alternative punctuation marks. In a previous ask the mla post, we explained how to incorporate titles ending in question marks or exclamation points into workscitedlist entries. Imagine trying to sum up a book s entire plot or purpose in just a few words. A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Popular titles containing colons books goodreads popular titles containing colons books showing 126 of 26 scorsese on scorsese paperback by. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. Examples of colons used in references here is an example of colons used in a reference. Incorrect book the list contains an incorrect book please specify the title of the book. The past, present, and future of a misunderstood mark. Inappropriate the list including its title or description facilitates illegal activity, or contains hate speech or ad hominem attacks on a fellow goodreads member or author. One of the pleasures of a recent piece on semicolons by ben dolnick, in the.
How do i punctuate a list of book titles in a sentence. Semicolons are most commonly used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related to each other. Im glad i dont have to come up with book titles for a living. Punctuation question are the semicolons correct in separating the list of book titles in the following sentence, or should i use commas. The two punctuation marks serve very different purposes, and should not be used interchangeably. We explore best practices for punctuation in book titles, title pages, chapter headings, and more.
But no semicolon is needed for a title in english that ends with a. Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. Naming books is hardits as much a science as an art. As soon as we explore the examples of colons and semicolons below, youll be that much closer to the title of. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Scorsese on scorsese by david thompson, the era of franklin d. Maybe thats why publishers are going back to that most beloved of victorian conventions. How do you handle titles ending in other punctuation marks. A guide on book title punctuation publishdrive blog. Semicolon is actually about grammar and a few who care about it.