How to Use a Semicolon

The semicolon can connect closely related ideas, spice up your writing, and make your sentences sound more sophisticated—if you use it correctly. If you'd like to know how to use the tricky semicolon the right way, just follow these easy steps.

Semicolon Usage Chart

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Linking Two Sentences

Download Article

1
Write one complete sentence. A complete sentence must contain a subject and a verb and be a complete thought. The subject is the person, place, or thing that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that is being performed in the sentence.
- Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night."
2
Write another closely related sentence. This sentence must be strongly related to the first sentence for the semicolon to work.^{[1]XExpert SourceTristen Bonacci
Licensed English TeacherExpert Interview. 21 December 2021.}
- Ex: "She had too much on her mind."
Advertisement
3
Connect the sentences with a semicolon. Remember to make the first letter of the second sentence lowercase.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night; she had too much on her mind." A semicolon is used in parallel construction.^{[3]XExpert SourceTristen Bonacci
  Licensed English TeacherExpert Interview. 21 December 2021.}
Tip: You can treat a semicolon as a period to connect two closely related sentences. This means that you can replace any semicolon with a period.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Linking Items in a List

Download Article

1
Write a sentence that contains a complicated list. Each item in the sentence should contain commas, and each item should also be separated by commas.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Ex: "I have a sister in Columbus, Ohio, another sister in Palm Springs, Florida, and a third sister in Oakland, California."
2
Use the semicolon as a "super-comma" to separate the items of the list. This will make it easier to distinguish between the items in the list.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Ex: "I have a sister in Columbus, Ohio; another sister in Palm Springs, Florida; and a third sister in Oakland, California."

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Linking Sentences with Internal Punctuation

Download Article

1
Write one sentence with internal punctuation. This sentence can use a colon, dash, or comma. Sentences with internal punctuation tend to be longer. Using semicolons to separate sentences with internal commas is the most common method.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met."
2
Write another closely related sentence with internal punctuation.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Ex: "She is very resourceful and can make almost any old food taste delicious, but she does specialize in the following items: cod, fruitcake, and squash."
3
Connect the sentences with a semicolon.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met; she is very resourceful and can make almost any old food taste delicious, but she does specialize in the following items: cod, fruitcake, and squash."
4
Note that you can also use a semicolon to connect one sentence with internal punctuation and one simple sentence.
- Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met; I love her cooking."

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Linking Sentences with a Transitional Phrase or Conjunctive Adverb

Download Article

1
Write a sentence. You can keep it simple.
- Ex: "I ate an entire apple pie last night."
2
Write another closely related sentence using a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Conjunctive adverbs are words that show a relationship between the two sentences, such as cause and effect, contrast, or comparison. Some examples include: however, besides, finally, and hence.^{[10]XExpert SourceTristen Bonacci
  Licensed English TeacherExpert Interview. 21 December 2021.}
- Transitional phrases are used to move from one sentence to the next in a logical and smooth way. Some examples include in other words, moreover, and in addition.
  - Ex: "As a result,' I felt sick when I woke up."
3
Connect the two with a semicolon.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Ex: "I ate an entire apple pie last night; as a result, I felt sick when I woke up."

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Avoid Confusing the Semicolon with the Comma

Download Article

1
Do not use a semicolon instead of a comma. Commas can be used to connect two simple sentences and a coordinating conjunction (but, and, nor, or so, for example), while a semicolon cannot.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourcePurdue Online Writing LabTrusted resource for writing and citation guidelinesGo to source}
- Example of correct usage: "I love my cat, but he drives me crazy."
- Example of incorrect usage: "I love my cat; but he drives me crazy."
2
Do not use a comma instead of a semi-colon. A comma can never be used to separate two independent clauses (complete sentences). This is called a comma splice and should be avoided at all times.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Example of correct usage: "My kitty is cute; he loves to cuddle."
- Example of incorrect usage: "My kitty is cute, he loves to cuddle."

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How do you use a semicolon in an example?
Tristen Bonacci
Licensed English Teacher
Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix.
Tristen Bonacci
Licensed English Teacher
Expert Answer
An example of a semicolon in a sentence could be "I love bananas; I love apples." This uses parallel construction—in other words, you have the same thing on both sides of the semicolon (a subject and a verb).
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 7 Helpful 4
Question
Can you use a semicolon instead of ", but"?
Community Answer
You can use a semicolon followed by "however,". A semicolon alone would not provide the indication that you are about to contrast something with what you just said, and you need to provide that indication.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 6 Helpful 21
Question
What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?
Donagan
Top Answerer
Hyphens connect words to each other. Dashes are used to add emphasis or indicate a pause in thought.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Try to keep the clauses as closely related as you can.
Thanks
Helpful4 Not Helpful0
Don't overuse the semicolon; it can become overused and can wear on your reader.
Thanks
Helpful4 Not Helpful0
Use semicolons instead of periods to show a closer relationship between the sentences.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful1