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Semicolon – The often overlooked punctuation mark yet the most significant one in the English language. Almost similar to the colon, it is often confused by many. However, this punctuation mark cannot be used interchangeably with a colon. If you are wondering whether to use a colon or semicolon, you’ve landed on the right page.
The semicolon is a punctuation mark that proficient writers use to connect related but independent clauses; its mastery enhances the sophistication of one’s vocabulary. In this article, we shall walk you through what is a semicolon, when to use it, how to use it, and when to avoid it. Also, we shall provide you with some examples that will help deepen your understanding and their correct usage. Let us dive into the discussion.
What is a semicolon?
To understand what a semicolon is, one needs to know the meaning and definition of a semicolon.
Meaning and Definition of Semicolon
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that is a combination of a full stop and a comma. This is what it looks like (;). A semicolon is mostly used to join two sentences. There are other instances where a semicolon is used, like, to separate items in a list.
Definition: A semicolon is a full stop stacked on top of a comma. The most common use of semicolons in the English language is to join two independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction like and. The other significant use is that you can use them to replace commas when listing items that already have commas. Examples include listing cities, states, objects, etc.
Read Related Punctuation Marks
| Comma Punctuation Mark | Full Stop Punctuation Mark |
When To Use a Semicolon?
Now that you know what a semicolon is, let us proceed further with when to use a semicolon. Whether you are a student striving to achieve grammatical perfection or an avid writer, one needs to know when to use semicolon. This will not only enhance your writing but will also ensure the creating a clear and well-structured content.
Here are a few instances of when to use a (;)
1. Two Independent Clauses: You can use to separate two independent clauses that are not joined by any conjunction.
Example: “She loves hiking; he prefers reading indoors.”
2. To join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb: You can use it to join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb (like however, therefore, furthermore, nevertheless, consequently, moreover).
Here is a point to note. You use it before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
Example: Mary had practiced for hours; however, her performance didn’t meet her expectations.
3. In Series
Use it when you have a series or a list of items or elements that already contain commas. In such sentences, you can use it to separate the list items.
Example: “The conference attendees included Jane, the CEO; Mark, the CFO; and Sarah, the COO.”
When Not to Use a (;)
Knowing when not to use a semicolon is as important as knowing when to use it. Here are a few instances where you are not to use a semicolon.
1. Between an Independent Clause and a Dependent Clause
Do not use it between an independent clause and a dependent clause. Instead, you can use other punctuation like a comma or appropriate conjunctions.
Incorrect: “She loves hiking; although he prefers reading indoors.”
Correct: “She loves hiking, although he prefers reading indoors.”
2. After Conjunctions
Whenever you are using conjunctions in sentences like and, but, or, etc., avoid employing semicolons immediately after these conjunctions. Instead, you can use a comma or a period before the conjunction.
Incorrect: “She loves hiking; but he prefers reading indoors.”
Correct: “She loves hiking, but he prefers reading indoors.”
3. In Place of a Period
Never use it in a place where a period is more appropriate. You can always use it to connect closely related ideas. However, do not use them to separate unrelated sentences.
Incorrect: “She loves hiking; she also enjoys painting.”
Correct: “She loves hiking. She also enjoys painting.”
How To Use a Semicolon ?
Now that you are aware of when to use and when not to use a semicolon, let us learn how to use them correctly.
1. To connect independent clauses
Use it to connect two related independent clauses.
Example: Mark has gone to the market; his brother has gone to play basketball.
2. To skip coordinating conjunction between two independent clauses
Use it between two independent clauses to skip using a coordinating conjunction.
Example: I do not like to drink cold drinks; coffee is my drink of choice.
3. In a serial list
Use a semicolon when you have a series or a list of items or elements that already contain commas.
Example: I need sales reports for the following cities: Hyderabad, Telangana; Vadodara, Gujarat; Kochin, Kerala.
4. With conjunctive adverbs
When you have two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb, you can use it to join them with a conjuctive adverb.
Example: I’m not all that fond of strawberries; moreover, they taste a bit sour.
Check out some more English Vocabulary Words
| 3 Letter Words | Action Word |
| Rhyming Word | Daily Used English Word |
| Compound Word | Opposite Word |
Difference between a Comma and a Semicolon
| Comma | Semicolon |
| To separate different items in a list. | To separate different lists of items in a sentence. |
| To separate phrases and also to separate a phrase and a clause. | To separate two clauses |
| A comma indicates a shorter pause. | A semicolon indicates a pause that is longer than a comma and shorter than a period. |
| Example: The cups, jars, plates, spoons and bowls are placed on the table. | Example: I like DC; my sister likes Marvel. |
Mastering these basics is crucial to elevate your writing to the next level. Whether you are a student learning about punctuation or any individual who loves writing, this information would be of great help to you. What are you waiting for? Get started with your writing and reach that perfection in punctuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a semicolon in punctuation?
A semicolon is a punctuation mark (;) used to separate independent but related clauses in a sentence or to delineate items in a list when those items themselves contain commas.
When should a semicolon be used? Examples?
Semicolons should be used to connect closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. For instance: She loves to travel; he prefers staying home. They can also be used in lists when elements contain commas, like: The conference included attendees from New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Seattle, Washington.
What is an example of a semicolon (;)?
Here is an example of a semicolon used in a sentence: The weather was sunny; however, they decided to stay indoors.
What is an example of a semicolon in programming?
In programming, a semicolon is often used to terminate a statement. For instance, in languages like JavaScript or C++, it signifies the end of a line of code. For example: let x = 5;
When should I use a colon or semicolon?
Use a colon (:) to introduce a list or to separate hours and minutes in time. Use a semicolon (;) to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a list when those items contain commas.
