Semicolons
The semicolon stands as one of the most nuanced and versatile punctuation marks in the English language; it serves as a bridge between related ideas where a period is too strong and a comma too weak. Mastering punctuation marks like semicolons can enhance writing, offering a sophisticated rhythm to prose that clarifies and emphasizes the relationship between sentences. This article explains the semicolon mark, exploring its history, usage, and the subtle art of incorporating it effectively into your writing repertoire.
Semicolon Usage and Examples
Semicolon Usage 1
Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are
closely related in thought and that are not joined by conjunctions like and, but, for, nor,
or, so, or yet.
EXAMPLES
The big game
is tomorrow; I’m mentally prepared. (Note: A comma cannot be used in this sentence.)
Writers often employ semicolons to link clauses in a compound-complex sentence; this punctuation mark provides a pause that is stronger than a comma but still indicates a close relationship between the separate statements.
Semicolon Usage 2
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a
conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
EXAMPLE The garden was my idea; therefore, I should be in charge of it. (The semicolon is used before the conjunctive adverb in this sentence.)
Semicolon Usage 3
You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma)
before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain
commas.
EXAMPLE
On Tuesday, March 11, we’ll be in Atlanta; and the day
after that, barring any glitches, we’ll be in Chicago.
Semicolon Usage 4
Use a semicolon (to replace a comma) between items in a series if the items
contain commas.
EXAMPLE
My grandmother is going on an AARP tour to Prague, Czech Republic;
Vienna, Austria; and Stockholm, Sweden. (Semicolons are being used in order not to confuse the reader.)
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TO SUM UP
- Use a semicolon between independent clauses (sentences) that are closely related in thought and that are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet.
- Use a semicolon between independent clauses (sentences) joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
- You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.
- Use a semicolon to connect items in a series if the items contain commas.
Semicolon Worksheet
In the following sentences, insert semicolons where
they are needed. Put a caret (^) over any comma that should be a semicolon, and write a semicolon above the caret.
1. The sun is beginning to set soon the sky will be dark.
2. Performances will take place several times this month with matinees on Saturday, August 12, Sunday, August 13, and Saturday, August 26.
3. Tom, our raucous young neighbor, started playing the drums every night after dinner, soon the noise was so bad we had to complain to his parents as we could not study grammar.
4. Going to the lake for a break was my idea therefore, I should make the reservations.
5. We always wash our car on the weekend judging by its appearance, they wash theirs, too.
6. Give Jane a call if you want a ride to the meeting I won’t be able to make it.
7. Grandfather has lived in Cork, Ireland, Boston, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.
8. Ted, my cousin, and Sally, his friend, are coming over to dinner, so Ernie, my older brother, and I are doing the cooking.
9. Most trees, such as the elm, the sycamore, the oak and the birch, lose their leaves in the winter, there are some, however, such as the pine, that retain their leaves in all seasons.
10. On Monday, March 10, the band is scheduled to arrive, and two days later, if all goes well, they’ll be performing at the White House.
Semicolons Gamequiz Show (Interactive Activity)
FAQs
- What is the main purpose of a semicolon?The main purpose of a semicolon is to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences.
- What is a semicolon example?
Here's an example: “The cotton candies were delicious; they were fluffy and sweet.” - What are the 4 semicolon rules?Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in thought and that are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet.Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
- How do you use a colon and semicolon?Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun. Colons are also your only grammatical option when combining a complete sentence with a noun or a list. This is because the two parts would be unequal.