Semicolons can be tricky to use, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their rules. Besides using them for a winky face while texting, there are three different uses for semicolons in English. Keep reading to learn more.
Once you understand the rules, you’ll never confuse a comma or colon for a semicolon again. There are three ways to use a semicolon in your writing:
● As a link between two related independent clauses
● Before a conjunctive adverb in the middle of a sentence
Before we examine how to use a semicolon with two related independent clauses, let’s review what an independent clause is. An independent clause is a clause that’s a complete sentence on its own, that is, it has a subject and a predicate .
Mom is going to the store.
She is buying food for dinner.
The subject is usually a noun (person, place, or thing) at the beginning of the sentence, and the predicate is the verb and object following the noun. These two components make up independent clauses.
To use a semicolon with two related independent clauses, simply place it between them.
Mom is going to the store; she’s buying food for dinner. My neighbor has beautiful flowers; he works hard in his gardens every summer. I like eating ice cream; it’s my favorite dessert.Seems easy, right? It is! However, it’s easy to make certain mistakes. Let’s look at some examples of those.
The word following the semicolon should not be capitalized unless it’s a proper noun (e.g., days of the week or names of people).
Horses are magnificent creatures; They can run up to 88km/h (55mp/h). Horses are magnificent creatures; they can run up to 88km/h (55mp/h). I need to study for my test; Monday is the only day I can study. The swimming competition is this Thursday; Sarah is the sure winner.You should only use a semicolon to link clauses when they are related to each other. Semicolons help to emphasize that two statements are connected. Using them to link unrelated clauses is incorrect:
Horses are magnificent creatures; my mom likes apple pie. I like blueberry pie; my mom likes apple pie.FANBOY conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet), also known as coordinating conjunctions, have a comma preceding them, not a semicolon. To use a semicolon, you need to remove the FANBOY conjunction.
I need to study for my test; and Monday is the only day I can study. I need to study for my test, and Monday is the only day I can study. I need to study for my test; Monday is the only day I can study.If you connect two independent clauses with only a comma, then you have a comma splice. Ensure you use a semicolon between the two independent clauses or add a FANBOY conjunction after the comma.
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The swimming competition is this Thursday, Sarah is the sure winner. The swimming competition is this Thursday; Sarah is the sure winner. The swimming competition is this Thursday, and Sarah is the sure winner. I like blueberry pie, my mom likes apple pie. I like blueberry pie; my mom likes apple pie. I like blueberry pie, and my mom likes apple pie.You use conjunctive adverbs, also known as connective adverbs or linking adverbs, as transitions or linking words between clauses. Common conjunctive adverbs include however, thus, moreover, as a result, and additionally.
When these words are used in the middle of a sentence, a semicolon should go before them, and a comma should follow; however, a semicolon only goes before the conjunctive adverb if an independent clause follows. Let’s look at some examples.
I want to go out; however, I have an exam tomorrow morning that I should study for. The trip was too expensive; as a result, I decided not to go. Reading is my favorite hobby; thus, I spend an hour or two every night with a book.If the second clause is independent, a semicolon should be used. Alternatively, you can use a period and create two separate sentences.
Eating out is too expensive ,as a result, I am going to cook at home more often. Eating out is too expensive; as a result, I am going to cook at home more often. Eating out is too expensive. As a result, I am going to cook at home more often. I prefer beach vacations, however, we are going to the mountains this summer. I prefer beach vacations; however, we are going to the mountains this summer. I prefer beach vacations. However, we are going to the mountains this summer.If the clause following the semicolon is dependent (i.e., not a complete sentence), then use a comma before and after the conjunctive adverb. Alternatively, you can move the conjunctive adverb to the beginning of the sentence and place a comma after it.
Nothing much; however, seems to have changed since I last came. Nothing much, however, seems to have changed since I last came. However, nothing much seems to have changed since I last came. The book; moreover, was an interesting and delightful read. The book, moreover, was an interesting and delightful read. Moreover, the book was an interesting and delightful read.Semicolons can be included in a list to add clarity when commas are used within the listed items. Additionally, semicolons should be used in listed items if you add a non-restrictive relative clause (a clause beginning with who or which) after an item. Using semicolons prevents confusion for the reader in these situations.
I’m taking a trip to London, England; Rome, Italy; Budapest, Hungary; and Geneva, Switzerland.My mother, who is allergic to gluten; my father, who doesn’t eat meat; and my sister, who is extremely picky, are all coming to dinner.
If the items in the list don’t require additional commas, you should only use commas to separate them.
I need apples; oranges; and bananas from the store. I need apples, oranges, and bananas from the store.Semicolons can seem challenging, but with practice, you can use them confidently. Be sure to use a semicolon when linking two related independent clauses, before a conjunctive adverb in the middle of a sentence, or with items in a list that contain commas.
Colons are used to present dialogue, introduce lists or text, or give emphasis. Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses, introduce a conjunctive adverb, or prevent confusion in lists when other commas are present.
Yes. If the clause following the conjunction is related and independent, you can remove the conjunction and add a semicolon. Semicolons can also be used before a conjunctive adverb in the middle of a sentence if an independent clause follows. For example: I want to go out later; however, I have a test tomorrow morning to study for.
You can use semicolons in online writing the same way you would elsewhere. They can link two related independent clauses, precede a conjunctive adverb, or be part of a list to add clarity when other commas are present. However, semicolons may add a formal tone, so consider the context of your online writing.
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