Can you use a semi colon before and

Semicolons are often misused in everyday writing, so here is a list of three simple rules which cover the vast majority of problems we see here in the IUP Writing Center.

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Rule

Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.

Example

For example, these two sentences—

• I do not like to eat chocolate. Ice cream is my food of choice.

can be rewritten like this—

• I do not like to eat chocolate; ice cream is my food of choice.

A semicolon works here because the sentences are closely related in meaning, and they are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Rule

Use a semicolon between independent clauses which are linked in meaning with a transitional word. This rule means that a writer may use semicolons between two complete sentences that are joined by transition words like however, meanwhile, next, similarly, therefore, for example, in addition, in conclusion, etc. This transitional word is often followed by a comma.

Example

For example, these two sentences—

• I do not like to ride the bus. However, I ride it when I visit my sister.

can be rewritten like this—

• I do not like to ride the bus; however, I ride it when I visit my sister.

A semicolon works here because the sentences are closely related in meaning. Note that it is not correct to use a comma instead of the semicolon.

Rule

Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation. In other words, if you have a series, major groupings, or a list, then instead of using a comma each time, use a semicolon.

Example

For instance, look at this example—

• Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek, with Mr. Spock and his large pointed ears, Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylon Raiders, and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.

This sentence can be also written like this—

• Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek with Mr. Spock and his large pointed ears; Battlestar Galactica with its Cylon Raiders; and Star Wars with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.

The semicolons here are important because they clarify groupings within the sentence. By inserting semicolons between each major break, the writer makes it easier for the reader to see where one major groups ends and where the next one begins.

The information on this page was compiled by Chris Branchtti, Karen Geist, and Kelly Jean Norris.
It was adapted from: Hacker, D. (1998). A Writer's Reference 4th edition. Bedford/St. Martin's.

Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.

Rules for Using Semicolons

• A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
  

  Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil.

• Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
  

  However they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods.

• Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
  

  There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.

• Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.
  

  Some people write with a word processor, tablet, or even a phone; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil.

Avoid using a comma when a semicolon is needed:

Incorrect: The cow is brown, it is also old.
Correct: The cow is brown; it is also old.

What’s going on here? Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction. This mistake is known as a comma splice.

Incorrect: I like cows, however, I hate the way they smell.
Correct: I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell.

What’s going on here? The conjunctive adverb however signals a connection between two independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction.

Incorrect: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef, which also tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.
Correct: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good; they give us beef, which also tastes good; and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.

What’s going on here? It’s unclear what the three list items are, since the items are separated by commas.

Incorrect: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millennia, are still one of the great species of this planet, domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by.
Correct: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millennia, are still one of the great species of this planet; domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by.

What’s going on here? It’s unclear where the first independent clause ends and the second independent clause begins.

Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed:

Incorrect: Because cows smell; they offend me.
Correct: Because cows smell, they offend me.

What’s going on here? The first part is not an independent clause, so no semicolon is required.

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