The semicolon (;) is one of the most misunderstood punctuation marks in the English language. It sits somewhere between a comma and a period—stronger than the former but not quite as final as the latter. When used correctly, semicolons can add clarity, rhythm, and sophistication to your writing. Here’s a simple guide to help you use them properly.
1. To Join Two Closely Related Independent Clauses
A semicolon can link two independent clauses (complete sentences) that are closely related in thought but not joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as and, but, or so).
Example:
The meeting was canceled; no one showed up.
In this case, both sides of the semicolon could stand as full sentences, but the semicolon shows a stronger connection between the two ideas than a period would.
2. Before Conjunctive Adverbs or Transitional Phrases
When using words like however, therefore, meanwhile, or for example to link two independent clauses, a semicolon should come before the transition, and a comma should follow it.
Example:
She didn’t see the stop sign; therefore, she ran right through the intersection.
This helps the reader pause just enough to understand that what comes next builds on what came before.
3. To Separate Items in a Complex List
When the items in a list already contain commas, using semicolons can prevent confusion by clearly separating the items.
Example:
The speakers at the conference included Dr. Anne Moore, a physicist from MIT; John Taylor, a tech entrepreneur from Seattle; and Maria Sanchez, a journalist from Madrid.
Without semicolons, this sentence would be difficult to untangle.
What Not to Do with a Semicolon
Don’t use a semicolon to join a dependent clause to an independent clause.
❌ Because it was raining; we stayed inside.
✅ Because it was raining, we stayed inside.Don’t use a semicolon in place of a colon to introduce a list.
❌ Bring the following:; a flashlight, a map, and a jacket.
✅ Bring the following: a flashlight, a map, and a jacket.
Final Thoughts
Think of the semicolon as a tool for connection and clarity. It allows you to show relationships between ideas with precision and elegance. While not always necessary, a well-placed semicolon can elevate your writing and make complex thoughts easier to follow. Use it wisely, and your prose will be all the stronger for it.