How to Use Semicolons (with Examples) 

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that serves two purposes: linking two closely related independent clauses and separating items in a complex list. But how is a semicolon different from a colon? And when is a semicolon a better choice than a comma? To be a professional proofreader, you’ll need to know the answers. Keep reading to find out exactly how and when to use a semicolon.

Using a Semicolon to Link Independent Clauses

One way to use a semicolon is to join two independent clauses. This avoids the need to use a comma with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., “but,” “so,” or “and”) to join two clauses, and it allows you to combine two short sentences into one. You can think of a semicolon as a softer option than a period; the clauses are still distinct, but the semicolon tells the reader that they relate to each other somehow.

To use a semicolon this way, the clauses or sentences must be closely related, and their connection must be obvious to the reader. The example below shows how the same two clauses can be presented in multiple ways:

Adding a coordinating conjunction (such as the “and,” “so,” and “but” used above) can subtly change the meaning of the sentence, whereas a semicolon sticks the pieces together to show a connection without altering how the reader interprets the text.

Remember that the two clauses must have a clear connection to be joined with a semicolon; you can’t simply stick any sentences together:

✘ Incorrect: My friend’s band is playing at a local club this weekend; it was raining today. ✘

In general, use a semicolon if you want to show the connection between two ideas without the interruption of a coordinating conjunction or the divisiveness of a period.

Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs

If you’re using a conjunctive adverb (e.g., “moreover,” “however,” “otherwise,” “therefore”) as the link between two independent clauses, you need to include both a semicolon and a comma – the semicolon before the adverb and the comma after it.

✔ Correct: I planned on studying for my exams tonight; however, my friends have other ideas. ✔

✔ Correct: She decided to double her piano lessons; otherwise, she wouldn’t be ready for her recital. ✔

✔ Correct: Max lost his wallet on the walk home; therefore, he needs to cancel his credit cards. ✔

A common error is to omit the semicolon and instead use two commas to link clauses with a conjunctive adverb:

✘ Incorrect: That shirt has a strange pattern, moreover, I don’t like the fringe on the sleeves. ✘

Remember, also, that a semicolon is only suitable when the word functions as a conjunctive adverb connecting two independent clauses. When a word such as “therefore” or “however” is used as a simple adverb or as an aside or interjection in a sentence, it is set off with a pair of commas, and no semicolon is needed.

✘ Incorrect: The handwritten note he’d kept in his wallet; however, could never be replaced. ✘

✔ Correct: The handwritten note he’d kept in his wallet, however, could never be replaced. ✔

Using a Semicolon Between List Items

While a vertical bullet list is generally easy to read and understand, a long and complex horizontal list can be confusing. For example, when one or more list items already contain a comma, it doesn’t read well to also use commas to separate the list items. This is the case when they include descriptions or additional information, for example, the country of a listed city or the job role of a listed person’s name. This is when the semicolon comes into play! Using semicolons instead of commas in a list that already contains commas shows the reader exactly where one item ends and the next begins. Take a look at the examples below:

✔ Correct: I have visited the following cities in my many travels: Albany, New York; London, England; Toronto, Canada; Paris, France. ✔

✔ Correct: On the film set, I work with Elizabeth, the director; Annie, the actress; and Elroy, the cameraman. ✔

When Not to Use Semicolons in Lists

Some writers will use semicolons in a list when the items are longer than one or two words. But this is generally unnecessary, and commas should typically be used even for longer list items when there is no risk of confusion. Here is an example of a list that incorrectly uses semicolons:

✘ Incorrect: I need to buy green apples for a pie; ripe bananas to make banana bread; strawberries for the kids to take to school; and three grapefruits because they are really good for breakfast. ✘

Even though each item is up to nine words long, there are no extra commas and the meaning is clear. Therefore, the semicolons should actually be commas:

✔ Correct: I need to buy green apples for a pie, ripe bananas to make banana bread, strawberries for the kids to take to school, and three grapefruits because they are really good for breakfast. ✔

Becoming A Proofreader

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