How To Use A Semicolon

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A semicolon is used to denote a break that has more emphasis than a comma but is less final than a full stop. There are two common circumstances in which it is appropriate to use a semicolon.

  • Use a semicolon between two complete clauses that are not joined by a conjunction.

    A complete clause is a group of words which contains a verb – i.e. if everything else in the sentence was cut away, the clause would still make sense.

    In each of the below examples, both clauses would make sense on their own. A semicolon is useful when two complete clauses feel too closely linked to separate into two different sentences.
     
    • It’s half past twelve; we’re going to miss lunch.
       
    • My mother is Indian; I was born in London.
       
    • She calls her jeans ‘pants’; I say ‘trousers’.

If the second clause is introduced to the sentence with a conjunction, however, you should use a comma instead of a semicolon.

Often, the relationship between the two clauses is one of cause and consequence. If the second clause clarify or expand on the first clause, a colon is also acceptable.

    • It’s half past twelve, so we’re too late to make lunch.
       
    • My mother is Indian, but I was born in London.
       
    • She calls her jeans ‘pants’, and I say ‘trousers’.
    • It’s half past twelve: we’re going to miss lunch.
       
  • Use a semicolon to create a stronger break in a sentence that already has commas (such as in lists).
     
    • Each student requires two pairs of shoes, including wellington boots; a waterproof jacket, which should have a hood; a change of clothes; and sun cream which has a rating of at least SPF 30.
       
    • My family have had a very unlucky week: my mother’s purse was stolen, which means she had to cancel and replace all her cards; my father broke his leg a few days later and is now in a plaster cast; and my sister found out her cat, Michaela, had run away.
       
    • At school, I struggled with English and spelling, which was very upsetting to me; now, however, thanks to Spellzone, I am regularly complimented on the quality of my writing.

If you found this post useful, why not take a look at some of our other articles on grammar?

Do get in touch if you have any questions about spelling and grammar – we’ll address your questions in future blog posts. Find us on Facebook and Twitter, or leave a comment below.


09 Jun 2015
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"Thank goodness for Spellzone during this remote learning phase. The site is easy for students to navigate independently and they're really enjoying the activities and spelling games. You get an awful lot for your money with Spellzone. Really reassuring is the very prompt response with helpdesk queries. I've very rarely needed the helpdesk, but when I have, the issue has been addressed and sorted within a very short time."

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