How to Use Semicolons
The semicolon (;) is a piece of punctuation many people do not understand and thus avoid. In fact, its usage is fairly simple. The instructions below explain the major functions of the semicolon.
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Instructions
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Use a semicolon to join together two complete sentences. If you have two complete sentences that you want to keep together because they are closely related, use a semicolon to avoid having a run-on sentence. For example:The school district revised its reading curriculum in order to accommodate more learning styles and learning needs; as a result, teachers in the district report increased student interest in reading.Notice that on each side of the semicolon is a complete sentence.
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Use a semicolon to separate items in a list when the items are long and potentially complex in meaning. In this usage, the semicolon replaces the comma that usually separates items in a list. This is because a semicolon is more noticeable and thus better suited for longer items. For example:The student council advisor felt it was important for each new member to learn the procedures for running meetings; to share past experiences working in team environments; and to outline individual goals for the year.
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Use a semicolon to separate items in a list when items contain additional punctuations. This usage is similar to the previous one. In this one, you use semicolons in a list when an individual item in the list has commas of its own. This is done simply to prevent confusion. For example:Students were instructed to bring two spiral notebooks; one-inch, two-inch, and three-inch binders; and mechanical pencils.
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Tips & Warnings
To know if you are using a semicolon to properly join two sentences together, put a period in its place. If both sides of the semicolon can stand alone as sentences, you are using it properly.
Don't overuse the semicolon. Only use it to join sentences together when you think the ideas are too closely related to separate or if you are trying to create some sentence variety. Avoid using a semicolon in back-to-back sentences.
