When to Use a Semicolon

By eContent Pro on Jan 23, 2017
When to Use a Semicolon

A semicolon is a punctuation mark that can sometimes be confusing to writers. In this post, we will take a look at the various ways to properly use semicolons in your writing.

Semicolon Uses

Semicolons can be used to separate two independent clauses.

Perhaps the most common use of a semicolon is to link two separate, independent clauses that could stand as grammatically correct, fully formed sentences on their own. The caveat to this rule is that the clauses must be related. For instance, the phrases, “I hurt my knee,” and “I have a hard time walking,” are two clauses that could be complete sentences on their own and are also related.

  • “I hurt my knee. I have a hard time walking.”

You could use a semicolon to connect these phrases in this case.

  • “I hurt my knee; I have a hard time walking.”

If your clauses were unrelated, such as “I hurt my knee,” and “I have paid my hospital bill,” you would not be able to use a semicolon.

Semicolons can be used to list items that contain commas

If you are writing a list of items that contain commas, you can use a semicolon to separate the items in your list. For example, if you were to say, “We get visitors from Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Sacramento, California,” you would be able to use a semicolon as a “super comma” to show the separation between the three cities in your list.

Semicolons can create variety in your writing

Semicolons are a great way to create variety in your writing. If you find yourself writing multiple short, choppy sentences in a row, you can always use a semicolon to create a longer sentence that stands out from the rest. An example of these can be seen in the sentence below.

  • I hurt my knee while I was walking my dog. I now have a hard time walking. As a result, I use a cane; I have also had surgery.

Semicolons can be used with clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases

Conjunctive adverbs are used to show a connection between two independent clauses in one sentence. They can also be used to link ideas in two or more sentences, as well as show relationships between ideas within an independent clause. The English language contains many conjunctive adverbs, such as: also, besides, comparatively, further, furthermore, hence, however, likewise, meanwhile, nevertheless, otherwise, therefore, and thus. You could use any word from this list to connect your two independent clauses.

  • I hurt my knee; therefore, I have a hard time walking.

In this situation, you could also use a transitional phrase. In this case, a transitional phrase would be a saying such as “for example,” “as a result,” or “in other words.”

  • I hurt my knee; as a result, I have a hard time walking.

Rules for Using a Semicolon

With every tool in the English language, there are rules of use, and the semicolon is no different. We have explained each of these rules below.

Never use a comma when a semicolon is needed

  • Incorrect: I hurt my knee, I have trouble walking.
  • Correct: I hurt my knee; I have trouble walking.

This mistake is known as a comma splice. This occurs when a comma is used to connect independent clauses that do not include a coordinating conjunction.

Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed

  • Incorrect: Since I hurt my knee; I have trouble walking.
  • Correct: Since I hurt my knee, I have trouble walking.

The problem with our first sentence is that the first part, “Since I hurt my knee,” is not an independent clause and could not stand on its own as a sentence, so there is no need for a semicolon.

Be sure that your independent clauses are related

As we have mentioned, you cannot use a semicolon to connect two unrelated independent clauses, although these can appear together as separate sentences.

  • Incorrect: I hurt my knee; my dog needs someone to walk him.
  • Correct: I hurt my knee. My dog needs someone to walk him.

Do not capitalize ordinary words that appear after a semicolon

You will want to be sure that the word after the semicolon is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun.

  • Incorrect: I fell in the ravine; My knee is injured.
  • Correct: I fell in the ravine; my knee is injured.

Do not use a semicolon when a colon is needed

A colon is used to introduce a series of things, such as what you are having for dinner, or to give example(s). Be sure not to use a semicolon here, as it will not properly distinguish your list.

  • Incorrect: Dad readied dinner; chicken, salad, and soup.
  • Correct: Dad readied dinner: chicken, salad, and soup.

Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause

As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a semicolon.

  • Incorrect: Since I had surgery; I can walk much better.
  • Correct: Since I had surgery, I can walk much better.

Use a semicolon to separate units of a list that contain commas

Be sure that if you are writing a list of items that contain commas, you are using a semicolon between each list unit to distinguish them from one another. If you do not distinguish your individual list units, you run the risk of your sentence becoming a jumbled mess.

Final Thoughts on the Semicolon

A semicolon is an excellent tool to add to your writing toolkit, as it will enhance your writing when used correctly. If you have any questions about semicolons and their use, let eContent Pro (eCPro) help you.

At eCPro, we take pride in providing top-notch editorial services that are tailored to meet the needs of our clients. With over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, we have earned a reputation for delivering high-quality work that is error-free and polished to perfection at the quickest turnaround time.

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