1.20 The Semi-Colon
The basic use of the semi-colon was covered in other sections of this book.
Below is a recap.
Semi-colons and Conjunctive Adverbs
Use a semi-colon to connect two independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb.
- The proposal does not include projected expenditures; therefore, it is not being considered.
- The candidate possesses excellent computer skills; however, her language skills require attention.
- Our third quarter sales results were impressive; in fact, they surpassed expectations by 20 percent.
Semi-colons and Independent Clauses
Use a semi-colon to join two independent clauses. Ensure that the two clauses are related. Do not overuse this strategy, for its overuse creates short, choppy sentences.
| Unrelated ideas – incorrect | The price of oil has increased significantly; we are renovating our offices. | Management has included two extra vacations this quarter; our third quarter reports are due on Friday. |
|---|---|---|
| Related ideas | The price of oil has increased significantly; one litre now costs $1.70. | Management has included two extra vacations this quarter; employees are delighted. |
Semi-colons and Cluttered Commas
Use semi-colons to tidy up confusing commas.
| Confusing commas – incorrect | My project includes office visits to Vancouver, British Columbia, Windsor, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta. | Mary Gee, Marketing Advisor, Alex Tarabi, Accounts Manager, and Lily Gu, Client Relations, will attend the conference. |
|---|---|---|
| Improved: semi-colons for clarity | My project includes office visits to Vancouver, British Columbia; Windsor, Ontario; and Calgary, Alberta. | Mary Gee, Marketing Advisor; Alex Tarabi, Accounts Manager; and Lily Gu, Client Relations; will attend the conference. |
Exercises
Below are some practice quizzes.
- The colon Scroll to the bottom of each unit to access the quiz.
(https://www.ole.bris.ac.uk/bbcswebdav/courses/Study_Skills/grammar-and-punctuation/index.html#/id/5eaff0ae88d7eb04c5efb43d) - Comma, colon, semicolon, or period (https://www.niu.edu/writingtutorial/punctuation/quizzes/comma.htm)
- Semi-colons You might have a problem with drawing a line, but it’s a good quiz on semi-colons.
(https://www.grammar-monster.com/tests/test_semicolons_general_use.htm)