What is a semicolon?
A semicolon is a punctuation mark used to separate parts of a sentence, typically linking two complete ideas. It is considered stronger than a comma but weaker than a period, as it denotes a pause that is slightly longer than a comma but shorter than the full stop indicated by a period.
Purpose of semicolons
The two main purposes of semicolons are to clarify a series in a sentence and indicate two closely related sentences.
When providing a written list where individual elements contain a comma, the items should be separated using a semicolon. The use of a semicolon in this way is sometimes called a super-comma.
Ari was able to study abroad in main European cities such as Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Rome, Italy.
Connecting two closely related independent clauses (a complete sentence containing a subject and verb) with a semicolon looks like this:
Jocelyn was sitting in the library; she was not reading anything.
The two independent clauses in the example above are:
Jocelyn was sitting in the library.
She was not reading anything.
When to use a semicolon
Use semicolons under the following conditions:
Independent clauses – Semicolons are mostly used to separate independent clauses in a single compound sentence. The two independent clauses must be equally important for a semicolon to be justified.
Most people like to write using a computer; Mindy stills likes to use pen and paper.
Conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases – Use a semicolon when two independent clauses are connected by a conjunctive adverb (connecting words like therefore, consequently, furthermore, etc.) or transitional expression (for example, in other words, in addition, etc.).
Adverb: The Friday special is usually prime rib; however, it sold out early tonight.
Transition: John was caught cheating on his homework; as a result, he failed the assignment.
Items in a list or series: Add a semicolon when listing items containing internal punctuation.
When packing for camp, it is best to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and pajamas for the overnight stay; boots, backpack, and water bottle for the hike; and bathing suit, goggles, and towel for swimming.
Semicolon vs. comma
Semicolons often take the place of a comma when additional commas can negatively impact the clarity of a sentence:
Comma: She bought bread, juice, and bacon at the grocers, plums, peaches, and pears from the farmers’ market.
Semicolon: She bought bread, juice, and bacon at the grocers; plums, peaches, and pears from the farmers’ market.
Semicolons also replace commas when linking independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction:
Comma: He painted the kitchen, but he still needs to paint the bedroom.
Semicolon: He painted the kitchen; he still needs to paint the bedroom.
Semicolons should also be used to avoid a comma splice (using a comma to link two independent clauses or separate sentences with related ideas).
Incorrect: They love cooking together, their favorite dish to make is paella.
Correct: They love cooking together; their favorite dish to make is paella.
Colon or semicolon
The primary use of a colon is to join independent clauses with a list, a noun, or a dependent clause, where semicolons link two independent clauses.
Colon: The teacher requires students to bring a few items to the first day of class: pocket folder, notebook, and flash drive.
Semicolon: The teacher requires students to bring a few items to the first day of class; they need a pocket folder, notebook, and flash drive.
Semicolon examples
How to correctly use a semicolon in a sentence:
| Use | Example sentence |
|---|---|
| Independent clauses | Maria scored the highest on the quiz; Lois scored the second highest. |
| Conjunctive adverbs/Transitional phrases | All of the cast and crew of the play received a standing ovation; after all, they've earned it! |
| Items in a list/series | The participants mainly traveled from Pittsburgh, PA; Akron, OH; and Buffalo, NY. |
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