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A semicolon is an elegant way to separate ideas within a sentence; however, it is often misused by the underprepared.
A semicolon is an elegant way to separate ideas within a sentence; however, it is often misused by the underprepared.
Semicolon - a punctuation mark used primarily to connect independent clauses within a sentence.
Introduction
Introduction
We have all used a semicolon to make our writing look fancy. We have also, more than likely, had the nagging feeling that we weren't using it correctly. Perhaps we had heard that a semicolon was a "bigger comma", or that it was somewhere between a comma and a full stop.
While these explanations are not entirely incorrect, there is more to the story. So, let's set the record straight regarding the correct usage of the semicolon.
In Place of a Coordinating Conjunction Between Independent Clauses
In Place of a Coordinating Conjunction Between Independent Clauses
If a sentence contains two independent clauses that are separated by a coordinating conjunction, we can replace the coordinating conjunction with a semicolon.
With a coordinating conjunction
I'm going for a walk, but I'll return before dinner.
He arrived in the town at six, and the sun was setting.
With a semicolon
I'm going for a walk; I'll return before dinner.
He arrived in the town at six; the sun was setting.
Between Independent Clauses Linked by a Conjunctive Adverb
Between Independent Clauses Linked by a Conjunctive Adverb
If two independent clauses are linked by a conjunctive adverb, a semicolon should be placed before the conjunctive adverb.
Examples
The semicolon connects ideas in an elegant fashion; however, it is often misused
Most people don't understand the semicolon; therefore, it is worth learning how it works.
In Lists with Internal Commas
In Lists with Internal Commas
While a comma is used to separate items in a list, what happens if the items in the list already contain commas?
Semicolon to the rescue:
Example
Each shelf in my record collection contains a number of genres: the bottom shelf has blues, rock and hip hop; the middle has jazz, reggae and metal; and the top shelf has electronic, classical and world music.
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