Semicolons
Another punctuation mark that you will encounter is the semicolon (;). Like most punctuation marks, the semicolon can be used in a variety of ways. The semicolon indicates a break in the flow of a sentence, but functions differently than a period or a comma. When you encounter a semicolon while reading aloud, this represents a good place to pause and take a breath.
Semicolons to Join Two Independent Clauses
Use a semicolon to combine two closely related independent clauses. Relying on a period to separate the related clauses into two shorter sentences could lead to choppy writing. Using a comma would create an awkward run-on sentence.
Correct: Be sure to wear clean, well-pressed clothes to the interview; appearances are important.
Choppy: Be sure to wear clean, well-pressed clothes to the interview. Appearances are important.
Incorrect: Be sure to wear clean, well-pressed clothes to the interview, appearances are important.
In this case, writing the independent clauses as two sentences separated by a period is correct. However, using a semicolon to combine the clauses can make your writing more interesting by creating a variety of sentence lengths and structures while preserving the flow of ideas.
Semicolons to Join Items in a List
You can also use a semicolon to join items in a list when the items in the list already require commas. Semicolons help the reader distinguish between items in the list.
Correct: The color combinations we can choose from are black, white, and grey; green, brown, and black; or red, green, and brown.
Incorrect: The color combinations we can choose from are black, white, and grey, green, brown, and black, or red, green, and brown.
By using semicolons in this sentence, the reader can easily distinguish between the three sets of colors.
Tip:
Use semicolons to join two main clauses. Do not use semicolons with coordinating conjunctions such as and, or, and but.
Check Your Understanding: Semicolon Placement
Check Your Understanding: Semicolon Placement (Text Version)
Identify whether the given statement has correct semicolon placement or not
- I did not notice that you were in the office; I was behind the front desk all day.
- Do you want turkey, spinach, and cheese roast beef, lettuce, and cheese; or ham, tomato, and cheese?
- Please close the blinds; there is a glare on the screen.
- Unbelievably, no one was hurt in the accident.
- I cannot decide; if I want my room to be green, brown, and purple green, black, and brown or green, brown, and dark red.
- Let’s go for a walk the air is so refreshing.
Check your answers: [1]
Activity source: “12.2: Exercise 1” adapted into H5P activity by Shaima and oeratgc for “12.2 – Semicolons” In Communication Essentials for College by Amanda Quibell and Emily Cramer, licensed under CC BY-NC- 4.0 based on content from “3.2 Semicolons” In Writing for Success by University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, licensed under CC BY-NC- 4.0.
Summary
- Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses.
- Use a semicolon to separate items in a list when those items already require a comma.
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this section is adapted from “12.2 – Semicolons” In Communication Essentials for College by Emily Cramer & Amanda Quibell, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. An adaptation from “3.2 Semicolons” In Writing for Success by University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. / Minor updates for accessibility.
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- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
