How to Use a Semicolon Correctly

The semicolon is a mark of punctuation that proves difficult to use correctly for many authors. Even seasoned writers and students in university programs often do not use semicolons the right way. There are basically two ways in which semicolons are properly used. One is to join two complete sentences, also known as independent clauses, which are related. The second use for semicolons is to differentiate between separate items in a series that include a comma. Examples of both uses of semicolons will be shown in this article.

A period can always be used to separate two independent clauses, ending one and beginning another. This indicates complete separation of one sentence from the other, even if they are closely related. A semicolon, on the other hand, indicates a softer separation and a definite joining of the ideas of the two sentences. This differentiation can help to illuminate the meaning that you want your words to deliver.

Sentences that are related and should be placed beside each other can be joined or combined by using semicolons. It would be inappropriate and incorrect, however, to try to combine two unrelated independent clauses with a semicolon. Here are some examples of sentences that are combined correctly using semicolons:

After playing two rounds of cards, the three players were tied; they decided to play a third round to see if they could declare a winner.

Go and get your chores finished; why must I always tell you so many times to get them done?

My dog Rover barked loudly; my neighbor’s cat, Tabby, meowed even more loudly.

In the above examples, two sets of compound sentences were connected by semicolons.

Another use of semicolons is to separate main clauses that are united by a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs are words such as furthermore, subsequently, therefore, moreover, and nevertheless.

She didn’t know exactly what she was going to do; however, she was about to make a preliminary plan.

Steven felt that the budget would not cover even the necessary expenditures for the next two fiscal years; moreover, he realized early on that even the increased revenue proposed in the plan would not be sufficient.

Stacy refused the assignment because it went against her beliefs; furthermore, she made it clear that she would not accept similar projects in the future.

Semicolons are also used in lists of items in a series that also contain commas. Here are some examples:

When we are on the trip, we will make sure to visit Johnson City, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and Bangor, Maine.

Before we get married, we have to get the addresses of Sylvia Tollins, my aunt; Richard Williams, my grandfather; and Ernestine Cline, my friend, so that we can mail them invitations.

Semicolons are not used to join a dependent clause with an independent clause, although writers commonly make this mistake. Look at these sentences:

Barbara looked enthusiastic, which was exactly the way that she felt on the inside.

Beginning to think that they had passed the civic center, they made an abrupt u-turn in the middle of the road and started driving the other way, at least until they hit the telephone pole.

Neither of these sentences needs a semicolon since there are not two independent clauses (or sentences that stand alone). In order for a sentence to be complete, or for a clause (a phrase that contains a subject and a verb) to be independent, it must express a complete thought. All complete sentences must have a subject and a verb and be able to stand alone.

At FirstEditing.com, we can help you to make sure that your semicolons and other marks of punctuation are correct. We can help to ensure that your writing is correct, makes sense, and is ready to publish or turn in.