How to Use a Semicolon
Lots of people aren’t quite sure how to use a semicolon.
The semicolon might be the most misunderstood punctuation mark in the English language. This dot-comma combination is often used where a period, colon, or even a plain old comma belongs.
Underused and often abused, the semicolon is useful in a number of writing situations. Although proper semicolon use requires a little finesse, this particular punctuation mark is surprisingly easy to understand.
Here’s the lowdown on semicolon use:
- The semicolon establishes a close connection between two sentences or independent clauses.
- A semicolon can replace conjunctions and or but.
- Semicolons indicate a stronger separation than a comma.
- A semicolon is often used in lists to separate items when some of the items in listed subsets require commas.
- The semicolon is always followed by a lower case letter with proper nouns being the only exception (proper nouns are always capitalized).
- Semicolon use can be applied to separate two clauses or sentences that are saying the same thing in different ways.
- As with other punctuation marks that denote the end of a clause or sentence, there is no space between the semicolon and the word preceding it; there should be a single space after the semicolon.
Want real examples that show how to use a semicolon? You got ‘em!
- I watched the Grammy Awards last night; I was most pleased that Amy Winehouse won and thought it was a great show this year.
- I love music; however, I haven’t played my own guitar in several years.
- I have lived in several different cities: San Francisco, California; Haiku, Hawaii; and Santa Barbara, California.
- When I was in fourth grade, I won the spelling bee for my entire school and went to the district championships. I practiced every night, memorized all the words on the list, and felt confident that I had a shot at winning; I got nervous on stage and misspelled one of the words even though I knew the proper spelling.
- I’m fascinated by names and their meanings; Melissa means honey bee.
- There’s nothing like the gentle drum of water hitting against the window pane; I love the rain.
- This is not only a grammar post, it’s also a tag from by Rudy Amid in which I’m asked to write seven weird facts about myself; the seventh is that I’m using my blog to multitask and be a good sport about memes.
In many cases, semicolon use is appropriate or grammatically correct, but when a period will do the trick, go with two separate sentences. In other words, if you can choose between separating clauses by a semicolon or writing two separate sentences (using a period), write two separate sentences. This makes text easier to read.
How often do you use semicolons? Ever? Do you think it’s best that this punctuation mark is used sparingly, or should we all aim for increased semicolon use — start a new fad, maybe? Share your thoughts on how to use a semicolon in the comments.
Oh, and I tag anyone who feels like sharing seven weird facts about themselves. Post them on your blog, and then come back and leave a comment here! And don’t forget to keep practicing proper semicolon use.
I’m a huge fan of semi-colons; I use them in the technical writing that pays my bills and the fiction writing that keeps me happy. Oh, and clearly, I use them in blog comments too!
I don’t recall when I learnt to use semi-colons, though I remember reading about them in various style manuals and thinking ‘Hmm, so I do do it right then’.
There’s a time and a place for their usage though, and I have a feeling that sometimes I use them a bit too much; for example, between sentences where a period would probably be more appropriate.
“…reading about them in various style manuals and thinking, “Hmm, so I do…”.
(You need a comma after “thinking”, I think.)
Hm, perhaps I do need a comma there. If it were dialogue, then a comma would be mandatory. Actually, since you pointed it out, I am wondering why my thought is in quotation marks since my normal practice is to put thoughts in italics. Then again, this is an older article. Thanks!
Melissa, that’s a clever post to include the meme. I wouldn’t have figured it out because your 7 things were not weird at all!
Question about your semi-colon example #4:
I thought you said it replaces and/but? I wasn’t sure if the “but” after the semi-colon was necessary in this case?
Melissa,
I’d have never known this was a meme unless you told us! I was so engaged in reading about the semicolon and I just assumed you were using examples off the top of your head! You are so sly.
Fantabulous post!
I’m curious why everyone is spelling semicolon with a dash (semi-colon). Hmm…
@Sharp Words, I am fond of semicolons too, but I tend to go with a period if I can because I think that’s more natural for readers.
@Rudy, Thanks
I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do the meme because I try to keep this blog focused on writing, and not talk about myself. You raise a good question about my example. I think for that sentence, the “but” is required. Technically, you can’t start a new sentence with a conjunction (though most writers do it all the time), so a comma could work instead. However, I think that would be confusing after the list items. I believe since the semicolon can replace a period or a comma, my example is alright. This is where semicolons get complicated…
@Michele, Yeah I squeezed it in there
heheh… Thanks!
“First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you’ve been to college.”
A great site. Your use of many examples is a great means to implant correct semicolon usage in the long term memory of your readers.
Thank you for contributing to web in this way, and for instilling good writing skills within people in our society.
thanks a lot!
ps- haiku, hawaii? where is this? i lived in kailua for 16 years…. are you reffering to the haiku gardens in kaneohe?
We should use semicolons more simply because, being on the home row, they are easy to type.
I’d like to say that I’m honored to have the ghost of Kurt Vonnegut commenting on my blog. I sure feel special.
@Geno, Thank you, it’s been my pleasure. Let’s hope society’s writing skills continue to improve.
@Maria, It’s on Maui, not far from Paia. I have no idea where Kailua is, or the haiku gardens for that matter. I went to Ouahu for ten days when I graduated high school, then lived on Maui for a few months some years later. Loved it, but I got island fever and had to return to the mainland.
@Simon, Good point.
Quick Question.
Is the below sentence using the semicolon correctly?
If there is a casue; there is a reaction.
Thanks for your help!
Jesse R.
Jesse,
I don’t think so. What I do know is that the sentence is spelling “cause” incorrectly. Also, I think the saying goes For every action there’s a reaction.
A comma or semicolon is not necessary because the two halves on either side of the semicolon in your example don’t stand alone, and therefore are not independent clauses. Plus, as a rule of thumb, writing should not insert punctuation unless it enhances or clarifies meaning. In this case, it does neither.
Thanks Jesse.
That is embarrassing. I just recall from a course (technical communications) that using a semicolon after an “if” statement is okay. I won’t quit my day job. Thanks for you help Melissa.
Jesse, Nothing to be embarrassed about! There are some situations where it’s okay to use a semicolon but not necessary and then it’s really up to the writer to make a judgment call. That’s just one of the many reasons why writing can be so tricky.
Can be used to separate two clauses or sentences that are saying the same thing in different ways.
When two sentences are separate; sentences that are related.
Peter Knights last blog post..The “33 Worst Mistakes Writers Make” series – together
@Peter, Yeppers. I would add that even though semicolons come in handy when used correctly, sometimes it’s better to just start a new sentence. In my work, I’ve bumped across some written pieces in which the writer puts in a lot of semicolons and if overused, they actually hinder the flow of reading. Thanks for adding to the discussion!
I would have to argue that the comma (as opposed to the semicolon) is probably the most misused punctuation mark in English. As far as I know, semicolons are merely used to connect two independent clauses. Commas are used for a wide variety of purposes. I don’t know… I just seem to see so many misplaced commas, but I rarely see semicolons being used at all.
Eugene Sungs last blog post..Amazing Icon Finder
@Eugene, In most cases where a semicolon would be appropriate, I’ll go with two full separate sentences; i.e. forgo the semicolon and use a period instead. Yes, the comma is grossly misused all over the place. Don’t get me started on serial commas…
As you say, Melissa “In most cases …”. But sometimes something is lost when a semicolon is replaced by a period – independent clauses, but one reinforcing the other, say:
McCain is involved in a scandal. Obama is delighted
and
McCain is involved in a scandal; Obama is delighted
Forgive the inappropriate example, I’m just a bit lazy right now.
Peter
PS Congratulations on this post: It keeps on bringing us back!
Peter Knights last blog post..The “33 Worst Mistakes Writers Make” series – together
I am learning English together with my children. We are trying to figure out how to use semicolon in proper sentences, when to use and when we should not.
If anyone can share with us, thank you so much !
Hi Catherine, This article explains how to use semicolons. Did you read it? Do you have any specific questions?
@peter
Personally, I would have used a semicolon between “forgive the inappropriate example” and “I’m just a bit lazy right now.”
Incidentally, it seems more appropriate.
Melissa,
I just clicked on the about page of your site because I found the site so helpful. You are really cute
) I just thought I would comment about your looks for a sec. lol Jk. Keep up the great work here…very helpful.
Aw, you’re very sweet. Thanks!
If you are writing an article on proper semicolon use, you should use it properly in the article.
Your article includes the following improperly punctuated sentence:
In many cases, semicolon use is appropriate or grammatically correct, however, when a period will do the trick, go with two separate sentences. In other words, if you can choose between separating clauses by a semicolon or writing two separate sentences (using a period), write two separate sentences. This makes text easier to read.
__________________________
You should have used a semicolon before the word “however.”
Cat, I’m going to agree and disagree with you. A semicolon would be more appropriate than a comma. Another option would be to terminate the sentence after “correct” and start a new sentence at “however.” My preference is to change “however” to “but,” which is exactly what I’m going to do. Thanks for sharing your feedback.
I’m sorry for trolling but you’re doing (some of) it wrong.
Example 1 is okay.
Example 2 is not. When you use however (a conjunction like and/but/or) it makes the semicolon unnecessary.
Example 3 is good, too.
Example 4 is not. It would be better to replace the semicolon w/ a period. The two clauses are related enough for the same paragraph, but not the same sentence.
Example 5 is okay but there are more elegant ways to write that sentence.
Example 6 I like. But it’s instructive to remember that a long dash would be just as effective.
I think the author knew she was stretching w/ some of these so I intend no malice. (I do recognize I sound like an asshole and, yes, I’m going through a parentheses phase) Semicolons are tricky. They are either over-used or under-used but once you get the trick of them they’re an invaluable addition to one’s writing toolbox.
The most effective way to learn to use the semicolon is to read. Anything. Everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s The Economist or Twilight, just read.
my bad, really old (in internet terms) article
Instead of apologizing for trolling, why not simply restrain yourself from it? And if you’re going to attempt to argue the information presented, I suggest you provide references or cite your credentials. These examples are based on The Chicago Manual of Style, which is an authoritative text on style and grammar. Semicolons are not that tricky, and the technical rules are not that clear, which means there is some wiggle room for writers to determine usage based on style. I suggest you take some time to reconsider your authority on this matter. While I agree with you that a writer can absorb a lot of grammar by simply reading, a truly professional writer will balance that with valid reference material.
im soooo stuck on using them i just done get it
HELPPPP
You might pick up a grammar guide. Grammar Girl has a good one, and of course, the Chicago Manual of Style (upon which this article is based) is always good for grammar and punctuation specifics.
I’ve stopped using them for anything that I submit to an editor. I’ve found that few people really understand their use and most will just request that you remove them and reword. It’s a shame, because I think they can be really useful.
I agree. But I also can see where some people find semicolons unnecessary. Sure, they’re useful, but do we really need them? Eh, maybe. Maybe not. I bet we could live without them.