{"id":37906,"date":"2021-02-22T06:00:25","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T11:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/?p=37906"},"modified":"2023-08-22T11:11:32","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T15:11:32","slug":"when-to-use-a-semicolon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/when-to-use-a-semicolon\/","title":{"rendered":"When to Use a Semicolon: An Easy Guide With Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not quite a comma and it\u2019s not quite a period.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And in spite of its appearance, it works quite differently than its neighbor, the colon.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But for those who take the time to learn its quirks, the semicolon is a punctuation mark unparalleled in versatility; properly employed, it can make your prose sound more professional (if slightly pontificating).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Okay, enough of that. But seriously: how <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">do<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you use a semicolon (;), anyway? And when should you definitely NOT use one?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"sps-reusalbe-block\">\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\" id=\"hs-cta-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\"><!--[if lte IE 8]>\n\n<div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div>\n\n<![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/4208601\/13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/4208601\/13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c.png\"  alt=\"New call-to-action\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(4208601, '13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on to learn the ins and outs of this unique little piece of grammatical nuance and explore a few semicolon examples:<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How to use a semicolon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Colon vs. semicolon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When not to use a semicolon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Why use a semicolon?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/when-to-use-a-semicolon-pin.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/when-to-use-a-semicolon-pin.jpg 600w, https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/when-to-use-a-semicolon-pin-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to use a semicolon, once and for all<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Semicolons can be used in four cases. We\u2019ll review each of them and provide examples.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s when to use a semicolon:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To link closely-related independent clauses<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To separate two independent clauses that are connected by a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To separate two independent clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction if those clauses are very long or already punctuated with commas<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To separate items in a serial list that already contains commas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the majority of cases, a semicolon is used to link two closely-related independent clauses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is, <\/span><b>the two statements on either side of the semicolon could totally be sentences all their own, but the semicolon indicates that they\u2019re essentially part of the same idea.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The first three semicolon use cases are really just variations on this method, which treats the semicolon as a kind of intermediary punctuation mark, between the period and the comma.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the last use case, the semicolon is used to separate items in a list because those items have already been strewn with commas, which could lead to a lack of clarity without the employment of another punctuation mark.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To illustrate these use cases, I\u2019ll devise some semicolon examples that relate to one of my favorite topics on earth: cheese. Here\u2019s how sentences should look when you use semicolons properly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Linking closely-related independent clauses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jamie really likes cheese; it may be her favorite food on Earth.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see, these two statements could easily stand on their own with a period in between them. But by using a semicolon, the closeness between the two ideas is reinforced. After all, they\u2019re essentially saying the exact same thing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Linking independent clauses separated by a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jamie really likes cheese; in fact, it may be her favorite food on Earth.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The transitional phrase \u201cin fact\u201d has been added to the second independent clause, but the two statements can still be joined by a semicolon.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Linking independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction for clarity or brevity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jamie really likes cheeses of all sorts, including both soft-ripened Bries and firm cheddars; but other cheese lovers sometimes stick to a single variety.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first independent clause in this set already has a comma, which would make using a second comma to separate the clauses a little less clear.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By using a semicolon, the sentence achieves clarity and also gives the reader a bit of a brain break &#8212; the semicolon provides a firmer stop than a comma would, so your reader can take in the whole idea without getting overwhelmed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Separating items in a serial list<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jamie\u2019s list of favorite cheeses spans a wide variety: soft, gooey Bries; firm, sharp cheddars; and all sorts of intermediary options like goat\u2019s milk Gouda.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this sentence, the serial list includes items that already have commas (\u201csoft, gooey Bries\u201d and \u201cfirm, sharp cheddars\u201d). Thus, a semicolon is employed to make the separate list items more distinct.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s also, however, a colon (:) in this sentence &#8212; which leads us to another important point.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Colon vs. semicolon: What\u2019s the difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many writers get the semicolon confused with its similar-looking, but very differently employed, cousin, the colon.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whereas the semicolon has a comma on the bottom, the colon has two vertically aligned dots, and is most commonly used to introduce a list. (That\u2019s what it\u2019s doing in the cheesy example sentence above.)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, colons can also be used between independent clauses, which can lead to some confusion. But here\u2019s the big difference: when you use a colon before the second independent clause, it needs to explain or introduce the first independent clause\u2026 exactly as it does in this sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When <i>not <\/i>to use a semicolon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One good time not to use a semicolon: when you need a colon instead. (See what I did there? Okay, I\u2019ll stop. Maybe.)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet another common error has to do not with overusing the semicolon, but underusing it. All too often, writers who are just learning <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/edit-your-copy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to make edits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will employ a comma when they actually need the full weight of a semicolon.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if you\u2019re trying to link two independent clauses <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">without<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> employing a conjunction, you need a semicolon. To link them with a comma instead is a common error known as a comma splice, which is exemplified below:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>INCORRECT (comma splice): <\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cheese is tasty, it is also rich in calcium.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>CORRECT:<\/b> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cheese is tasty; it is also rich in calcium.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it\u2019s also possible to use a semicolon in place of a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent one. An example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>INCORRECT: <\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since cheese is delicious and nutritious; you might as well eat it.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>CORRECT: <\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since cheese is delicious and nutritious, you might as well eat it.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first clause is dependent on the second, which means a semicolon provides too much of a pause in between the two ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why use a semicolon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, for starters, if you\u2019re a grammar nerd like many of us writer types who cares about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/old-grammar-rules\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grammar rules<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/automatic-editing-tools\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grammar tools<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s just plain old fun to add something new into the mix, not to mention making for some much-needed variety when you\u2019re working on a longer piece.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper semicolon use can make your work sound more sophisticated and give you the opportunity to play with new sentence structures and clause lengths.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But really, if you\u2019re reading this blog post, you probably don\u2019t need much convincing. When it comes to having another tool to master and add to your writing workbox, the real question is: why not? \ud83d\ude09<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And yes, the winking emoji is a proper use of the semicolon, too \u2014 at least in our book.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i>This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you\u2019re supporting The Write Life \u2014 and we thank you for that!<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they\u2019re useful for our readers.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"sps-reusalbe-block\">\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\" id=\"hs-cta-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\"><!--[if lte IE 8]>\n\n<div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div>\n\n<![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/4208601\/13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/4208601\/13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c.png\"  alt=\"New call-to-action\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(4208601, '13eadea5-5272-4b3b-8aa8-77bb478e0c3c', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo via AnnaStills \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/photos&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1569424938723000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG8EF2NBDwIxYoZ-ez-VixoYPQ4Kw\">Shutterstock<\/a>&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The elusive semicolon &#8212; it can be confusing! In this guide, we\u2019ll tell you when to use a semicolon (and when not to). <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":272,"featured_media":37911,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-craft"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37906","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/272"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37906"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37906\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37911"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewritelife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}