Semicolons
A semicolon ; joins two main clauses that are closely linked, where each could be a sentence on its own. It also separates the items of a long list when the items already contain commas. It was raining; we stayed inside.
Key facts
- A semicolon joins two main clauses that are closely linked. Each could be a sentence on its own: Mia loves maths; her brother prefers art.
- A semicolon separates list items that already contain commas: We visited Cairo, Egypt; Rome, Italy; and Paris, France.
- After a semicolon, carry on with a small letter (unless the word is a name or I). A comma can't join two sentences: It was raining, we stayed inside. is wrong.
- Before however or therefore joining two main clauses, use a semicolon, with a comma after the word: It rained; however, we went out.
Worked examples
Example 1
Join with a semicolon: The road was icy. The cars moved slowly.
- Both parts are main clauses and they are closely linked.
- Replace the full stop with a semicolon and use a small letter: The road was icy; the cars moved slowly.
Answer: The road was icy; the cars moved slowly.
Example 2
Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly? I like apples; and pears. or I like apples; my sister likes pears.
- A semicolon joins two main clauses: each part must make sense on its own.
- and pears is not a main clause; my sister likes pears is.
Answer: I like apples; my sister likes pears.
Example 3
Join the two sentences with a semicolon: The sun was setting. The sky turned orange.
- Both parts are main clauses and they are closely linked.
- Replace the full stop with a semicolon and use a small letter: The sun was setting; the sky turned orange.
Answer: The sun was setting; the sky turned orange.
Example 4
Add semicolons to separate the items: The band has Tariq, the singer, Ella, the drummer, and Kai, the guitarist.
- Each item already has a comma inside it.
- Semicolons between the items show where one item ends and the next begins.
Answer: The band has Tariq, the singer; Ella, the drummer; and Kai, the guitarist.
Example 5
Link the two clauses with a semicolon: It was raining. We stayed in.
- Both parts are main clauses and closely linked.
- A semicolon joins them without a conjunction.
Answer: It was raining; we stayed in.
Example 6
Is the semicolon used correctly? I was tired; so I went to bed.
- so is a conjunction: a comma and a conjunction join two clauses.
- A semicolon joins two main clauses without a conjunction: I was tired; I went to bed.
Answer: No: use a comma before so: I was tired, so I went to bed.
Example 7
Correct the semicolon: Because it was late; we went home.
- A semicolon must join two main clauses.
- Because it was late can't stand alone, so use a comma.
Answer: Because it was late, we went home.
Example 8
Use semicolons in the list: We visited Paris, France, Rome, Italy, and Madrid, Spain.
- Each item already contains a comma.
- Semicolons separate the items so the list stays clear.
Answer: We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Madrid, Spain.
Example 9
Punctuate with a semicolon and a comma: The tickets sold out however a second show was added.
- however links two main clauses, but it isn't a conjunction.
- Put a semicolon before it and a comma after it.
Answer: The tickets sold out; however, a second show was added.
Example 10
Pick a colon or a semicolon for each gap: He had one fear ___ heights. She loves maths ___ her brother loves art.
- A colon introduces what the first part points to: one fear: heights.
- A semicolon balances two equal main clauses.
Answer: : then ;
Example 11
Combine into one sentence using a colon and semicolons: The trip had three problems. The bus broke down. It rained. We lost the map.
- The colon introduces the three problems.
- Each problem is a clause, so semicolons separate them.
Answer: The trip had three problems: the bus broke down; it rained; we lost the map.