Semicolons have three main uses, as listed here:
– To emphasize the relationship between two related sentences.
– To connect two independent clauses when the second clause begins with a transition.
– To connect elements that already have commas in a series.
To complete this section, review each of the tabbed areas below and complete the Semicolons Self Check at the end.
Semicolons can be useful for joining two independent clauses (i.e., two stand-alone sentences) when the clauses have a close logical relationship. In such cases, semicolons function much like a period; yet unlike a period, they alert the reader that the two ideas have a close and equal relationship.
In the following examples, notice that the clause on either side of the semicolon could stand as a separate sentence, but the writers connect the two clauses to emphasize a logical link between them.
“In composing, as a general rule, run your pen through every other word you have written; you have no idea what vigor it will give your style.”
– Sydney Smith
“Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories.”
– John Wilmot
“The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.”
– Robert Frost
In each example, a period might have been used because the statements on both sides of the semicolon can act as complete sentences. However, to emphasize the close relationship of the two statements, the writers used semicolons.
In the following presentation, we will explore further examples of how semicolons emphasize relationships between independent clauses.
Carefully review the presentation below. Core details on the above content are explained in further detail, along with relevant examples.
Semicolons are often used when a second independent clause restates the content of the first independent clause. Here is an example:
The blizzard has grounded all flights at the airport; planes are sitting on the runway, waiting for permission to take off once the storm ceases.
Here, the second sentence more or less restates the first sentence, so a semicolon is appropriate.
Semicolons are also frequently used to help emphasize cause-and-effect relationships. Here is an example:
The FLCA received stockholder approval for conversion of all protected stock to at-risk stock; this action will significantly strengthen the FLCA’s capital position.
Here, the first independent clause describes an event that happened, and the second independent clause describes what will happen as a result of the event. The semicolon helps emphasize this relationship.
The choice between a period and a semicolon in such instances is one of style as well as logic.
Sometimes when two short clauses are logically connected, it’s appropriate to combine them with a semicolon to avoid having short, choppy sentences. Here is an example where the connection is pugilism and numbers:
The record for consecutive victories in professional boxing belongs to Rocky Marciano with 49; Roberto Duran is second with 41.
Here is an example from Winston Churchill that uses a semicolon to emphasize contrasting ideas in two clauses:
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Semicolons are also used to separate independent clauses when the second clause starts with a transitional word or phrase. You’ll recall some common transitional words and phrases from our section on commas.
| TRANSITIONAL WORDS | TRANSITIONAL PHRASES |
| However | As a result |
| Therefore | In other words |
| Consequently | On the contrary |
| Furthermore | In fact |
In the following presentation, we’ll review a few examples of this type of semicolon usage.
Carefully review the presentation below. Core details on the above content are explained in further detail, along with relevant examples.
Just as in the first usage we reviewed, semicolons will be used here to separate two independent clauses; however, the difference is that there will be a transitional word or phrase used in the second independent clause.
Overall asset quality remained satisfactory; however, OAEM volume significantly increased.
Prices were reasonable during the period in question; as a result, strong signals were sent for elevated production at a time of higher than average crop yields.
You can see the semicolon precedes the transitional word “however” in the first sentence and the transitional phrase “as a result” in the second sentence.
Which, if any, of these sentences use correct punctuation?
All the talent in the world won’t take you anywhere; without your teammates.
Your formal schooling may be over, however, your education still continues.
A good neighbor will babysit; a great neighbor will sit twins.
Thursday doesn’t count as a day, it’s just the thing that’s blocking Friday.
Number 3 is the only sentence that is correctly punctuated. In number 1, delete the semicolon; in 2, add a semicolon before “however”‘; in 4, change the comma to a semicolon.
Semicolons are also useful for separating items in a list when the items have internal punctuation. In such cases, the semicolons replace commas.
For example, the many commas in the following sentence cause confusion because readers can’t tell where the units should be divided:
The managers who endorsed the plan included Ms. Hendricks, the regional manager, Mr. Gomez, the Group 2 assistant regional manager, an issue area manager, Mr. Collins, the head of Quality Control, and an administrative officer.
Reading this list, are you certain how many managers endorsed the plan? Is it 6 or 7 or maybe 8? The sentence is ambiguous and requires semicolons to make it clear.
Read the same sentence again but this time with semicolons.
The managers who endorsed the plan included Ms. Hendricks, the regional manager; Mr. Gomez; the Group 2 assistant regional manager; an issue area manager; Mr. Collins, the head of Quality Control; and an administrative officer.
Now you can tell how many managers endorsed the plan–six.
Whenever items within a series contain internal commas, a semicolon after each item helps to keep the items separate.
The following presentation will show you how to use semicolons in this situation.
Carefully review the presentation below. Core details on the above content are explained in further detail, along with relevant examples.
Look at the following sentence, and see if you can pinpoint where the semicolons should go. Then, look at the revised version immediately following it.
Original: Parisians accuse Americans of being loud, though no louder than the Italians, crass, particularly in matters of food and art, inarticulate, in English as well as in French, cultureless, prudish, especially the ones from the center of America, militaristic to the point of paranoia and dangerousness, politically naïve, and, to a degree that offends the whole world, materialistic.
Revision: Parisians accuse Americans of being loud, though no louder than the Italians; crass, particularly in matters of food and art; inarticulate, in English as well as in French; cultureless; prudish, especially the ones from the center of America; militaristic to the point of paranoia and dangerousness; politically naïve; and, to a degree that offends the whole world, materialistic.
Again, you can see how the semicolons help to divide elements in a series that have internal commas.
As you learned in this section, semicolons are used for the following purposes:
– To emphasize the relationship between two related sentences
– To connect two independent clauses when the second clause begins with a transition
– To divide elements in a series that have internal commas.
Now, test your knowledge by completing the Semicolons Self Check.
