How to Use a Semicolon (and Look Smart Doing It)

The semicolon is one of the most misunderstood and underused punctuation marks. Some writers are intimidated by it, while others sprinkle it in where it doesn't belong. But once you learn the two main ways to use a semicolon, you can add a new level of sophistication to your writing.

What Is a Semicolon?

A semicolon (;) is like a super-comma. It's stronger than a comma but not as final as a period. It signals a close relationship between two ideas.

The Two Main Uses

1. To Connect Two Closely Related Sentences

You can use a semicolon to join two complete sentences (also known as independent clauses) that are closely related.

• Instead of: "The meeting was a success. We finalized the budget."
• You can write: "The meeting was a success; we finalized the budget."

This shows that the two ideas are connected. The fact that the budget was finalized is the reason why the meeting was a success.

More examples:

• "I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight."
• "She is a talented musician; she plays the piano, guitar, and violin."
• "The storm was raging outside; the family was safe and warm inside."

A word of caution: Don't use a semicolon with a conjunction (like "and," "but," or "so").

• ❌ Incorrect: "The meeting was a success; and we finalized the budget."
• ✅ Correct: "The meeting was a success, and we finalized the budget."

2. To Separate Items in a Complicated List

You can use a semicolon to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. This is often called a "super-comma" because it helps to avoid confusion.

Example:

• Confusing: "The conference has attendees from Paris, France, London, England, and Tokyo, Japan."
• Clear: "The conference has attendees from Paris, France; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan."

Another example:

• Confusing: "The team includes Sarah, the project manager, Ben, the lead developer, and Maria, the designer."
• Clear: "The team includes Sarah, the project manager; Ben, the lead developer; and Maria, the designer."

A Quick Test

1. Are you connecting two complete sentences that are closely related? → Use a semicolon.
2. Are you separating items in a list where the items themselves have commas? → Use a semicolon.

Test Yourself

Decide if you should use a semicolon in these sentences:

1. I'm tired I'm going to bed.
2. The guest list includes Amy, my cousin from Boston, Mark, my friend from college, and Jen, my coworker.
3. I like to read, write, and swim.
4. The movie was long it was also boring.
5. We have offices in New York, New York, Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California.

Answer Key:

1. Yes. "I'm tired; I'm going to bed."
2. Yes. "The guest list includes Amy, my cousin from Boston; Mark, my friend from college; and Jen, my coworker."
3. No. A comma is sufficient here.
4. Yes. "The movie was long; it was also boring."
5. Yes. "We have offices in New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California."

Final Thoughts

The semicolon is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it can make your writing more sophisticated and clear. Don't be afraid to use it, but make sure you're using it for the right reasons. Master these two simple rules, and you'll be a semicolon pro.