- A semicolon is a punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely two related independent clauses in a single sentence when discussing the same topic or contrasting two similar ideas.
- The connection between the two independent clauses should always be apparent without a coordinating conjunction like and. Example: I have a big presentation tomorrow; I need to prepare my notes tonight.
- Use semicolons before common conjunctive adverbs like moreover, nevertheless, and however.
- Semicolons can divide items within lists if they are long or contain internal punctuation, helping readers keep track of the divisions between them.
- Semicolons provide a stronger pause than a comma and a softer transition than a period.
Understanding when to use semicolons is vital for clear writing and enhancing sentence flow. Good writing demands attention to detail; recognizing the right place for a semicolon exemplifies this. Here, we’ll explain what you need to know about semicolons and their role in punctuation, including rules and examples for using them correctly.
Table of contents
Use semicolons to connect related independent clauses
Use semicolons instead of coordinating conjunctions
Use semicolons with conjunctive adverbs
Use semicolons in a serial list
Capital letters after semicolons
What is a semicolon?
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that links closely related ideas within a sentence or separates items in a complex list. It functions as a pause that is longer than a comma but shorter than a period.
How to use a semicolon
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that share a connection but also work as separate sentences. An independent clause is a clause that can stand on its own as a distinct sentence.
Semicolons are also used in place of coordinating conjunctions like and or but and before conjunctive adverbs like however and moreover. You can also use semicolons to divide items within lists if they are long or contain internal punctuation.
Although they’re not interchangeable with commas and periods, it helps to think of the semicolon as somewhere in between, providing a nuanced middle ground. Occupying a unique position in punctuation, they’re stronger than a comma but offer a softer transition than a period, highlighting a relationship between the clauses without the full stop that periods provide.
Here are some essential rules for using semicolons correctly.
Use semicolons to connect related independent clauses
You can use a semicolon to join two independent clauses when discussing the same topic or contrasting two similar ideas. Remember, an independent clause is a clause that can stand on its own as a distinct sentence.
Let’s put that another way. The group of words that comes before the semicolon should form a complete sentence, the group of words that comes after the semicolon should form a complete sentence, and the two sentences should share a close, logical connection:
The examples above are each made up of two complete, grammatically correct sentences glued together.
That’s exactly why you can’t substitute a comma for a semicolon. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a comma splice, which you should always avoid.
Instead of a semicolon, you can also combine two independent clauses with a transition word that connects one idea to another:
In the examples above, the transition word connects one idea to another without requiring a semicolon.
Use semicolons instead of coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions (that’s your ands, buts, and ors) can also link two independent clauses. But you shouldn’t use a semicolon and a conjunction. That means that when you use a semicolon, you use it instead of the ands, buts, and ors; you don’t need both.
Here’s a hint: You know how you can use a comma and an and to link two related ideas? Think of the semicolon as a replacement for the comma + and.
A semicolon can replace a period or a comma and a coordinating conjunction to demonstrate contrast between independent clauses instead of agreement. This is part of the same rule, but the conjunction in question is but instead of and.
To sum up, a semicolon connects two related ideas by narrowing the gap between the ideas of two separate sentences or replacing a coordinating conjunction between the ideas. That also goes for showing contrast. Just because two ideas are opposed or contradictory, that doesn’t mean they aren’t related closely enough to earn themselves a semicolon.
Use semicolons with conjunctive adverbs
When a conjunctive adverb links two independent clauses in a compound sentence, you can use a semicolon between the clauses. Common conjunctive adverbs include words like moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, consequently, and many others.
Technically, conjunctive adverbs are optional. In the example below, you don’t actually need a conjunctive adverb.
But as you can see by the example, this sentence doesn’t flow well. The connection between the two clauses is not apparent, so use a conjunctive adverb to help explain the relationship:
Here are some other examples of linking two sentences with a semicolon and conjunctive adverb:
Conjunctive adverbs sometimes appear in other parts of a sentence; therefore, the semicolon rule only applies if it helps the conjunctive adverb join two independent clauses.
This conjunctive adverb rule is similar to the coordinating conjunction rule. In both cases, check whether the two ideas are independent clauses that could stand on their own as sentences. If so, then you’re grammatically accurate as far as the semicolon is concerned.
Use semicolons in a serial list
Use semicolons to divide items in a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items.
Period vs. semicolon
Although they can be used interchangeably in many instances, there’s a subtle but important distinction between using a semicolon (;) or a period (.) to combine independent clauses. Periods denote a clear separation between thoughts, whereas semicolons link closely related ideas.
Here’s an example of a period signaling a full stop between two independent clauses, indicating a stronger break.
In the above example, each clause could function independently, and the period underscores their separateness.
A semicolon suggests a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period. Here’s an example of a semicolon signifying a connection or contrast between the clauses without fully separating them.
In the above example, the semicolon indicates that the ideas are related (going to the store and forgetting the wallet), offering a smoother transition than a period would.
Colon vs. semicolon
The main difference between a colon (:) and a semicolon (;) lies in how they connect clauses.
A colon is used to introduce a list, a quote, or an example, or to separate two clauses when the second clause expands on or explains the first.
It’s important not to use colons and semicolons interchangeably, as they serve different purposes in structuring sentences and conveying relationships between ideas. For example, on the subject of summer activities:
In the first example, the colon introduces a list of activities. In the second, the semicolon connects two independent but related thoughts about the subject of swimming, maintaining the flow and coherence of the text.
Capital letters after semicolons
A semicolon should be followed by a capitalized word only if the word is a proper noun, an acronym, or another type of word that typically requires capitalization.
Semicolon FAQs
What are the three rules for using semicolons correctly?
- Use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Example: I have a meeting; it starts at noon.
- Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs like however or therefore. Example: She loves coffee; however, she avoids caffeine at night.
- Use semicolons to separate complex list items containing commas. Example: I’ve lived in Paris, France; London, England; and Rome, Italy.
How do you know when to use a colon or semicolon?
Use a colon to introduce a list, explanation, or quote. Example: He had one goal: to win. Use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses or separate complex list items.
What’s the difference between a comma and a semicolon?
A comma links dependent clauses, separates list items, or adds a pause. A semicolon links independent clauses or separates items in a complex list.
How do you use a semicolon in a list?
Use a semicolon to separate list items that already include commas to ensure clarity. Example: The panel included Dr. Smith, a surgeon; Dr. Jones, a psychiatrist; and Dr. Lee, a cardiologist.
