How to Use a Semicolon Properly

Semicolons are not as popular or as widely-used as the more common forms of punctuation, such as commas and periods, but they definitely have their useful place. Semicolons are powerful forms of punctuation; they splice together and link two closely-related sentences. They are stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. The use of semicolons can greatly spruce up your writing and keep it from appearing too stale and mundane. Read on to learn the basic fundamentals for semicolon usage.

Things You'll Need

• Knowledgde
• Practice

Instructions

1. See Semicolons as Sentence Splicers - The basic purpose of a semicolon is to link, or splice, together two sentences. Unlike a period, which marks the end of a sentence, and a comma, which separates two sentences, a semicolon links. Just like this: "The cat ran after the mouse; the mouse promptly fled." Or, "I went to the gym last night; I woke up extremely sore."

2. Use Semicolons to Link Closely-Related Sentences - When using a semicolon, the two sentences that it links must be closely-related to each other. For example: "The new car is fun to drive; it's also very fast!" Or, I got a B in my Ethnic Studies class; my study sessions sure paid off." You would never write: "The new car is fun to drive; I had pizza last night for dinner!" Or, I got a B in my Ethnic Studies Class; I think I will take History next semester." Two totally unrelated sentences. The second parts of the last two sentences have no logical connection to their first parts.

3. Use Semicolons with Complete Sentences Only - Semicolons are only used to link together two complete sentences; that is, two sentences that contain both a subject and a verb and convey a complete thought. For example: "I went to the movies last night; I ate buttered popcorn that made me sick." Both sentences are complete and convey a complete thought. I wouldn't write: "I went to the movies last night; buttered popcorn made me sick." The last sentence doesn't convey a complete thought. It lacks a subject(I) and a verb(ate). Or this: "We went hiking yesterday; and fishing and swimming." The last part is not a complete sentence - it's a sentence fragment.

4. Know the Power of a Semicolon - Semicolons are powerful forms of punctuation. They are stronger and more powerful than the comma but not quite as powerful or definitive as the period. A semicolon inserts a more abrupt break between two sentences than does a comma, but it allows for a continuation of a thought or idea, unlike a period, which simply signals the end.