Semicolon (;) | Use, Meaning & Examples
A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that is used to connect two closely related independent clauses (i.e., full sentences).
Semicolons are used instead of a comma and coordinating conjunction (e.g., “and,” “but,” or “so”).
Luca loves coffee; his sister, however, prefers tea.
This project is running behind schedule; moreover, it is $5,000 over budget.
When to use a semicolon
Semicolons are used to join two closely related independent clauses into one compound sentence (or, in some cases, a compound-complex sentence). The clauses on either side of the semicolon must be able to stand on their own.
A semicolon implies a closer relationship between the two sentences than a period.
- The Surrealist movement began in the late 1910s; it had its origins in the Dada movement.
- The Surrealist movement began in the late 1910s; the Impressionist movement began in 1874. [There is not a strong relationship between the two clauses.]
- My dream was to attend Yale; however, it was too expensive.
- While my dream was to attend Yale; it was too expensive. [The first clause is dependent, so it requires a comma instead of a semicolon.]
Frequently, semicolons are used before a conjunctive adverb (e.g., “moreover,” “however,” “as a result”). These words make the connection between the two clauses more explicit.
She has a great idea for a new project; however, her boss believes it will be too expensive.
Note, though, that a semicolon is only needed between two full sentences. Conjunctive adverbs can be used without semicolons when they appear in the middle of a sentence.
She has a great idea for a new project; her boss, however, believes it will be too expensive.
A QuillBot Grammar Check can help you ensure you’re using semicolons and conjunctive adverbs correctly.
Semicolons with complex lists
Semicolons are also used to separate list items if the items themselves contain commas or dashes. This use makes it easier to see the discrete list items.
The most fun places to visit in Chicago are Navy Pier; Willis Tower—formerly known as Sears Tower; and the Shedd Aquarium.
Colon vs semicolon
While their names are similar, colons (:) and semicolons serve quite different grammatical purposes.
- Colons are used to introduce lists, quotes, or examples or to introduce a second clause that explains the first one.
- Semicolons are used to join two closely related but independent sentences.
What follows a colon can be either a phrase or an independent clause. What follows a semicolon must be an independent clause.
| Colon | Semicolon |
|---|---|
| The prime minister visited three countries on his trip: Croatia, Serbia, and Hungary. | The prime minister wants to improve relations with neighboring countries; he will visit Croatia, Serbia, and Hungary. |
| Let’s be honest about the problem we’re facing: Demand is declining and costs are rising. | Demand is declining and costs are rising; we must come up with some creative solutions. |
Semicolon vs comma
Commas are much more common than semicolons. They are used, among other things, to:
- Set off an unessential part of a sentence (e.g., a nonrestrictive clause or an introductory phrase). For example: “In the morning, I will go to the gym.”
- Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause (e.g., “If you don’t like coffee, we can have tea instead”).
- Separate simple list items (e.g., “I’ll take bacon, eggs, and toast”).
A comma can never be used in place of a semicolon to connect two independent clauses. This error is known as a comma splice. In order to form a compound sentence, a comma must be accompanied by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., “and,” “but”).
Similarly, semicolons should never be used with coordinating conjunctions.
- We expect an increase in traffic on Sunday, please drive carefully.
- We expect an increase in traffic on Sunday, so please drive carefully.
- We expect an increase in traffic on Sunday; please drive carefully.
- We expect an increase in traffic on Sunday; so please drive carefully.
- Even though I told her not to; my sister dropped out of college.
- Even though I told her not to, my sister dropped out of college.
Frequently asked questions about semicolons
- Should you capitalize after a semicolon?
-
No, the word that follows a semicolon should not be capitalized unless it is a proper noun. For example:
- The client will not be available for a meeting this week; next week, however, should work.
- The client will not be available for a meeting on Monday; Tuesday, however, should work.
QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help you make sure you’re using semicolons correctly.
- What’s an example of a semicolon in a sentence?
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Here are a couple examples of a semicolon in a sentence:
- The president has expressed her support for the bill; Congress will vote on it on Tuesday.
- We will present on the first day of the conference; our competitors will present that day as well.
Semicolons join two closely related independent clauses.
Use QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker to make sure you’re using semicolons correctly.
