Semicolons · Year 6
In Year 6 you learn: a semicolon to join two main clauses and semicolons in a list that has commas.
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.
Worked examples
Example 1
Join with a semicolon: 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.
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.
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.
Answer: The band has Tariq, the singer; Ella, the drummer; and Kai, the guitarist.