Andrea Sharaf

Have you ever noticed how people are slow to embrace hybrids? Just think about it: Priuses, ligers, pluots, and semicolons. Didn’t see that last one coming, did you? The semicolon, a cross between a colon and a comma, is the hybrid king of the punctuation world, and as with many hybrids, some people are slow to embrace it. The semicolon is a clever little punctuation mark, creating shades of nuance and adding texture to the written word. Once we review how and why to use the semicolon, I think you’ll agree it’s an invaluable part of the writer’s toolbox.

Use semicolons to connect two complete, related thoughts.

Let’s begin by recapping the definition of the semicolon. The Chicago Manual of Style puts its well, “a semicolon is most commonly used between two independent clauses not joined by a conjunction to signal a closer connection between them than a period would.” [1] Okay, maybe they put it a little too well. Time to decode the grammar-speak: a semicolon is most commonly used to connect two complete, related thoughts.

First, there must be a subject and a verb in each half of the sentence (complete thoughts masquerade under the alias “independent clauses”). Think of these complete thoughts as balancing a teeter-totter on the playground: to balance the semicolon teeter-totter, you need a subject and verb on both sides.

In 2000, the committee petitioned for more snow days in the calendar year; by 2011, the resolution still had not passed.

Affect is most commonly used as a verb; effect is most commonly used as a noun.

Both sentences have complete thoughts on each side of the semicolon, and both thoughts in each sentence are closely related in subject matter.

But why use a semicolon when you could technically separate the sentence with simple periods? On a power scale, a semicolon falls between a comma and a period. It’s stronger than the pause occasioned by the comma but not so strong as the full stop of the period.

Varying punctuation adds a more sophisticated style to your writing. And hey, who wouldn’t go for a little more sophistication?

Though it may be tempting, do not follow a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, so or yet). If you can’t shake the urge to use a coordinating conjunction, replace the semicolon with a comma.

INCORRECT: Frankie said he would eat his vegetables; but only if he could douse them in syrup. 

CORRECT: Frankie said he would eat his vegetables, but only if he could douse them in syrup. 

You can, however, follow a semicolon with transitional expressions, such as however, moreover, in fact, nevertheless, above all and therefore.

Lolly and Gertie have often been accused of over packing for road trips; however, I think it’s only natural that turtles would want to carry so many items with them.

It’s important to note the difference between coordinating conjunctions and transitional phrases.

Use semicolons to separate items in a complex list.

But wait, there’s more! Let’s discuss the less common, though perfectly acceptable, use of the semicolon: to separate items in a complex list where use of commas might be confusing.

The scores for this year’s Interstellar Illumination Pageant Competition were close: Sirius, 58; Regulus, 56; Alphard, 56; Pollux, 54.

When the investigators searched Alfred’s home, they discovered some rope, identical to the rope left at the crime scene; a bag of animal crackers, which might have been used to lure the zebra from its cage; and several animal husbandry guidebooks.  

Using semicolons instead of commas in the above examples helps the reader know which bits of information belong together. If the list is not complex, stick with the comma.

Extra, Extra! When NOT to use a semicolon.

And just for kicks, here are some examples of when you might be tempted to use a semicolon but should use either a colon or a comma instead.

1. Do not use a semicolon to introduce a list or explanation; use a colon instead.

INCORRECT: Mother brought home a variety of snacks from the grocery store; lollipops, ice cream bars, popcorn and Pop Rocks. 

CORRECT: Mother brought home a variety of snacks from the grocery store: lollipops, ice cream bars, popcorn and Pop Rocks.

2. Do not use a semicolon to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause; use a comma. Remember, a semicolon connects independent clauses, not dependent clauses.

INCORRECT: Because she had accidentally thrown away her retainer along with the Goo Goo Chewy Snacks container; she was forced to dig through the garbage cans after school. 

CORRECT: Because she had accidentally thrown away her retainer along with the Goo Goo Chewy Snacks container, she was forced to dig through the garbage cans after school.

3. Do not use a semicolon to set apart an appositive phrase (a phrase that describes the noun it follows). Use a comma instead.

INCORRECT: The pups yapped with delight when they were greeted by the Paws in Print Executive Chairdog; Clifford the Big Red Dog.

CORRECT: The pups yapped with delight when they were greeted by the Paws in Print Executive Chairdog, Clifford the Big Red Dog.