What is a semi-colon?
A semi-colon looks like ;
Uses
The two main ways to use a semi-colon are:
- In a list
- in a long list
- in a list with long items
- Linking two clauses that have the same idea
- instead of a full-stop if the next sentence links to the same idea
- instead of comma + conjunction if the next clause links to the same idea
In a list
Semi-colons are often used in lists that are either long, or have long items.
a) a long list
In a long list a semi-colon makes it easier to see the different parts.
This is especially true if any items have ‘and’ in them.
- The drawer was filled with interesting objects: a teddy bear; a black and white hat; a fountain pen; a gun.
- He loves everything about her: her hair; her clothes; her eyes; her nose; even the boyfriend that she chose.
b) a list with long items
If the items in the list are long, then a semi-colon makes it clear where each item starts and stops.
- This week he has been buying a lot of things online, but most are rubbish: a chair with a rip; a table with a wonky leg; three broken mirrors; a bucket with a hole in it; a burnt plastic plant; and a phone with a cracked screen.
- I have never forgotten his stupid rules: never trust a man with a beard; never trust a woman with a beard; never listen to your parents; always listen to your doctor; and never eat anything that is blue.
Linking two clauses that have the same idea
You do not need to use a semi-colon to link two clauses, but it can make your writing look more interesting and show you have strong writing skills.
a) Instead of a full-stop
Two sentences with the same idea can be turned into one sentence by adding a semi-colon.
- The sun shone through the fog. It was still too cold for him.
→ The sun shone through the fog; it was still too cold for him. - He felt ill so there was no way he would go to the party. His hangover from the night before was still killing him.→ He felt ill so there was no way he would go to the party; his hangover from the night before was still killing him.
b) instead of comma + conjunction
Semi-colons can also replace conjunctions (but, and, so, etc.) between two long independent clauses.
- Mrs Smith shouted at the boys, but due to the noise they could not hear her and so carried on fighting.
→ Mrs Smith shouted at the boys; due to the noise they could not hear her and carried on fighting. - The gifts under the Christmas tree made her smile, and she ran to tell her mother that Santa had not only come, but been very good to them.
→ The gifts under the Christmas tree made her smile; she ran to tell her mother that Santa had not only come, but been very good to them. - He’s going to be a doctor so he’s going to medical school next year.
→ He’s going to be a doctor; he’s going to medical school next year.
Note: if the conjunction is ‘because’, a colon (:) is generally better than a semi-colon (;):
I’m mad at you because you ate the last cookie!
→ I’m mad at you: you ate the last cookie!
Exercises
Put semi-colons into these sentences:
1. There were three rules in the house: on school nights everyone has to be in bed by 11pm, everyone has to do part of the chores, and nobody can watch the TV for more than two hours a day.
2. I was going to tell her, but I couldn’t. She just looked so sad.
3. Sometimes money can be a curse. People who have it can find everyone wants their attention.
4. The summer of 1999 was an odd one: Dave broke his leg playing football, Philip then broke his arm rock-climbing, and finally Anna broke her promise by kissing Dave.