- 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. For instance, “Semicolons are valuable; they indicate that clauses are connected in meaning.”
- Use semicolons before common conjunctive adverbs like moreover, nevertheless, and however.
- Semicolons also divide items within lists if they are long or contain internal punctuation, helping readers keep track of the divisions between them.
An independent clause is a clause that can stand on its own as a distinct sentence. A semicolon joins two independent clauses that share a connection but also work as separate sentences.
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.
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. Notice how the semicolon here neatly ties two related ideas together, helping craft cohesive and understandable text.
Here’s what you need to know about semicolons; we hope you’re taking notes.
Table of contents
How to use a semicolon correctly
Tools and resources for using a semicolon and beyond
How to use a semicolon correctly
Put simply, a semicolon connects two complete sentences that are strongly related. Here are some essential rules for using semicolons correctly:
1 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:
I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life’s too short for counting calories.
Martha has gone to the library; her sister has gone to play soccer.
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:
I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch because life’s too short for counting calories.
Martha has gone to the library while her sister has gone to play soccer.
In the examples above, the transition word connects one idea to another without requiring a semicolon.
2 Skip the coordinating conjunction when you use a semicolon between two independent clauses
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 and.
I saw a magnificent albatross, and the sun was setting right behind it.
I saw a magnificent albatross; the sun was setting right behind it.
You need a comma plus something to avoid a comma splice. That something can either be the correct conjunction or a semicolon.
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. In other words:
This is part of the same rule; 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.
3 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.
The weather app said it would rain today; no clouds are in the sky.
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:
The weather app said it would rain today; however, no clouds are in the sky.
Here are some other examples of linking two sentences with a semicolon and conjunctive adverb:
Reports of the damage caused by the hurricane were greatly exaggerated; nevertheless, I was relieved we evacuated when we did.
The students were advised not to walk alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it was early in the evening.
I’m not all that fond of the colors of tiger lilies; moreover, they don’t smell very good.
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. (See what we did there?)
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.
4 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.
I went to the store. I bought some bread.
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.
I went to the store; I forgot my wallet.
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.
5 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:
This summer, I am looking forward to the following: swimming, hiking, and going on picnics.
This summer, I am excited about swimming; it offers relaxation and exercise at the same time.
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.
6 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.
I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; London, Ontario; Paris, France; Paris, Ontario; Perth, Scotland; and Perth, Ontario.
My plan included taking him to a nice—though not necessarily expensive—dinner; going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year; and serenading him with my accordion.
7 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.
We can go to the museum to do some research; Mondays are pretty quiet there.
Our trip to the Met was wonderful; New York’s museums never cease to amaze me.
Tools for using semicolons and beyond
Want to be sure that your sentences are not only grammatically correct but also stylistically polished?
- Use Grammarly’s grammar checker to effortlessly know when a semicolon might be more appropriate than a comma, period, or colon, while ensuring that your writing is mistake-free.
- Beyond grammar and punctuation, use Grammarly’s AI writing tools to take your writing to the next level and tailor your text to specific goals.
