NZE: How to use a semicolon in New Zealand English

​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?
If you have written content in New Zealand English and this all sounds overwhelming, I can help. 

As a business editor and plain language specialist, I will help you publish better business and government content so that 

• your readers understand your message
• your business works more efficiently
• your clients trust you.

Contact me today to discuss how I can help you achieve your goals with clear, professional writing.

​