How to use a semicolon
I always feel like the semicolon is one of the more sophisticated punctuation marks. But that it also that it scares people a little.
It tends to be used more in formal writing, but it has its place in fiction too. It can be very useful to subtly convey a relationship between two thoughts without using more words.
And there is no need to fear it if you know how to use it correctly.
What is a semicolon?
In a sentence, a semicolon usually signals a relationship between two complete clauses that’s closer than two separate sentences.
It is somewhere between a full stop, which signals the end of a sentence, and a comma, which is a pause. And it can take both of their characteristics.
Sound confusing?
Let’s go through the different examples.
Between two complete clauses
To narrow the relationship between two complete clauses, use a semicolon instead of a full stop.
We didn’t see the movie; the theatre was closed.
Call me next week; I should have an answer for you by then.
Use a semicolon when a coordinating conjunction (for, and, but, nor, or, so, or yet) is left out.
The senior students were allowed to leave school early, but the juniors were not.
The senior students were allowed leave school early; the juniors were not.
Or use a semicolon to show the parallel relationship or contrast of the clauses.
The dog was riddled with fleas; he was malnourished.
The lawn was well-manicured; the house was dilapidated.
Before a conjunctive adverb
Conjunctive verbs are words such as however, namely, moreover, thus, for example (or e.g.) and that is (or i.e.). Use a semicolon when they come before a complete sentence.
I didn’t like it; however, I could see that she did.
She completed her work; that is, she copied it from her sister.
We had finished early; therefore, we decided to go to the beach.
In a list when the units also contain commas
Use semicolons between units to prevent ambiguity in lists and to keep the units clear.
The CEO, Sarah Butler; an executive director, Mike Smith; and the secretary, Paul Watkins; were all at the meeting.
The three activities they chose were sailing; rock climbing and abseiling; and fishing.
In the search for their father, which had been going on for many years, they asked every family member; researched the archives, which turned up with nothing; and even visited the town he was born in, and found that no one remembered him.
You don’t need to use semicolons in a list just because the units are long.
But in a sentence with a lot of commas already, a semicolon can indicate a stronger division.
They walked down the road, which was their usual route, and saw the dog; but the dog wasn't moving, and looked at them with sad eyes.
Semicolons in bulleted lists
You can use semicolons in a bulleted list, though it's preferable to leave them off. Commas could be used instead, but do not include an and or or before the final item.
Before your holiday, it is recommended that you:
check that your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date;
check with your doctor whether you need vaccinations;
find out transport options to your accommodation;
tell your bank that you will be overseas so they don't cancel your cards.
When not to use a semicolon
Don't use a semicolon to replace a colon.
I have one goal; to stop eating sugar. ✘
I have one goal: to stop eating sugar. ✔
Don't use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent one.
Although they wanted to; they didn’t do it. ✘
Although they wanted to, they didn’t do it. ✔
What next?
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