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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/19318
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I've often heard writers say they don't like using colons and semi-colons in dialogue specifically. I don't often see colons and semi-colons in dialogue, but sometimes it just seems like it's by far the best option.

For example:

> "I told you: John doesn't work on Mondays."

Is there any real alternative to the colon here? How about a semi-colon?

> "Don't worry; I only get drunk on Sundays."

Is the semi-colon ok, or is it awkward in dialogue? Putting a full stop after "Don't worry" seems strange to me.

Or I could expand the sentence:

> "I’ll do anything it takes: rehab, counseling, therapy, whatever I need to do.”

What's the difference between using a colon or an em-dash?

> "It's an article about all the types of things you hate: the environment, animal rights, veganism, that kind of thing."

Is the colon above okay in dialogue?

How about something like:

> "Trust me; the WASPy stuff is nothing in comparison."

Is a semi-colon appropriate above? Once again, it seems strange to me to put a full-stop.

Or:

> "Those things I said--I didn't mean a word of them."

Is an em dash appropriate here? I thought you weren't supposed to put a full clause after an em dash if it finishes the sentence? If so, should I use something else like a colon?

How about:

> "I know you; that place would haunt you."

Is there another way of doing this?

Thanks so much for any advice! Please note the question is specifically about dialogue.

Original score: 9