---
title: "Colon and Semicolon"
description: "A colon provides an explanation to the information you have just mentioned. A semicolon indicates a brief pause that is slightly longer than a pause meant by a comma. Use colons in the following cases: To introduce an item or a list of items."
canonical: "https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/styleguide/tw/colon_semicolon.html"
breadcrumb: "Style Guide > Punctuation > Colon and Semicolon"
dateModified: "2026-09-03"
---

# Colon and Semicolon

A colon provides an explanation to the information you have just mentioned. A semicolon indicates a brief pause that is slightly longer than a pause meant by a comma.

Use **colons** in the following cases:

- To introduce an item or a list of items.

  Do not use a colon before a list started by a verb or preposition that would ordinarily need no punctuation. To determine whether a colon is needed, try to put a period at the beginning of the list — if the result makes sense, add the colon.

- To separate 2 independent clauses in case the second clause is directly related to (that is, explains, illustrates, paraphrases or expands) the first clause.

  To learn more about dependent and independent clauses, see [this Grammarly article](https://www.grammarly.com/blog/subordinate-clause/).

::: tip

Here you can also use a semicolon or a period. However, never use a comma. For more information, see [Comma](comma.md).

:::

Use **semicolons** in the following cases:

- Separate 2 independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction (*and, or, but*).

  To learn more about conjunctions, see [this Grammarly article](https://www.grammarly.com/blog/conjunctions/).

- Separate 2 independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (*nevertheless, in addition, by the way, on the other hand, however, moreover, furthermore, for example, all in all, finally*).

## Examples

1. The backup server performs main management [operations:]{.mdhl-correct} *[as follows]* coordinates backup and replication jobs, controls job scheduling and resource allocation.
2. You can back up individual VMs or VM [containers:]{.mdhl-correct} *[which are]* folders, resource pools, clusters, vApps, datastores and so on.
3. Veeam Backup & Replication allows you to [back up:]{.mdhl-incorrect} folders, resource pools, clusters and so on. *[no colon required]*
4. The backup server is a Windows-based machine on which Veeam Backup & Replication [is installed:]{.mdhl-correct} [explanation*]* it fills the role of the configuration and management center of your backup infrastructure.

   The backup server is a Windows-based machine on which Veeam Backup & Replication [is installed; it fills]{.mdhl-correct} the role of the configuration and management center of your backup infrastructure. *[independent clauses]*

   The backup server is a Windows-based machine on which Veeam Backup & Replication [is installed. It fills]{.mdhl-correct} the role of the configuration and management center of your backup infrastructure. *[independent clauses]*

5. Backups created by Veeam Availability for Nutanix AHV are viewable in the Veeam Backup & Replication [console; however,]{.mdhl-correct} some of the Veeam Backup & Replication functionality is not available for these backups. *[conjunctive adverb*]