If you avoid using a semicolon when writing because you aren’t sure of its use, you aren’t alone. Most people are comfortable with a comma and stick safely with it, but the semicolon is a strong punctuation mark worth learning more about. Show Since a semicolon helps highlight the relationship between two clauses, it can replace both a comma or period, as well as a conjunction when appropriately used. It signals a reader to pause, but not with the finality of a period. Take a look at the rules of semicolon use and semicolon examples to begin using them in your own writing. How to Use a SemicolonSemicolons [;] are used to separate closely related independent clauses. It can also be used to separate independent clauses or items in a series that already contain a number of commas. Semicolon Rules with ExamplesSemicolons are most often used between two independent clauses. If you are unsure whether to use a comma or a semicolon, these rules should help clarify that point. Rule #1Use a semicolon to replace a comma and coordinating conjunction between two (or more) related independent clauses. Conjunctions include and, but, for, nor, so, and yet. Do not use a semicolon to join two unrelated clauses, however. Usually, the second phrase clarifies the first or provides additional information. For example, the sentence:
Becomes:
Rule #2Use a semicolon to replace a period between two closely related independent clauses. For example, the sentence:
Becomes:
Rule #3Use a semicolon to join independent clauses separated by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that act as a conjunction to join independent clauses. These include also, accordingly, besides, however, furthermore, consequently, instead, otherwise, etc. Transitional expressions can also connect independent clauses using expressions such as, at this time, as a result, first, for instance, in fact, on the other hand, second, and that is. Always be sure that an independent clause lies on either side of the semicolon for proper use; otherwise, use a comma (see what I did there?). For example:
Rule #4Use semicolons to help avoid confusion if an independent clause already contains a comma. If two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, but one or both of the clauses already contains a comma, a semicolon can be placed before the conjunction in place of another comma to avoid confusion. For example:
Rule #5Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items also contain commas. The items often contain either nonessential appositives, participial phrases, or adjective clauses. See examples of each, in order, below:
Commonly Asked QuestionsThere are a few commonly asked questions surrounding semicolon use that may still need clarifying. Check out these answers to help ensure you use a semicolon correctly. Do You Capitalize After a Semicolon?In short, no. Never capitalize after a semicolon since the clause following its use has been conjoined with the previous clause to create a complete sentence. Does a Semicolon Mean and or or?Even though a semicolon technically replaces a coordinating conjunction, that does not mean it means the word it has replaced. What’s the Difference Between a Colon and a Semicolon?Whereas a semicolon works to conjoin two independent clauses and help avoid confusion when too many commas are present in a sentence, a colon acts as an introductory device to help the reader look ahead to additional information. A colon also does not require the use of independent clauses for proper use and can be used with single words where appropriate. When to Use a Semicolon in Writing – Sentence Examples
Let’s ReviewSemicolons are powerful punctuation marks used to bring together two independent clauses that are related to one another. Its use helps highlight that there is additional information to be had about the sentence subject. You can also use it to help clarify sentences that already have commas, and the addition of yet another would confuse the reader. |