Mastering the Semicolon: A Guide to Correct Usage

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.

What Is a Comma Splice—and Should You Ever Use One?

A comma splice occurs when two complete sentences are joined only by a comma—without the right conjunction or punctuation. It’s a common writing mistake that can confuse readers or make your writing feel unpolished.

Example of a comma splice:
I love to write, it's my favorite hobby.
This sentence includes two independent clauses (complete thoughts) joined incorrectly by a comma.

How to Fix a Comma Splice

Here are three simple ways to correct a comma splice:

1. Use a period:
   I love to write. It’s my favorite hobby.

2. Use a semicolon:
   I love to write; it’s my favorite hobby.

3. Use a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or so):
   I love to write, and it’s my favorite hobby.

Are Comma Splices Ever Acceptable?

In most cases—especially in formal, academic, or professional writing—comma splices are considered errors. Editors and publishers usually expect them to be corrected before publication.

However, there are some exceptions in today’s publishing world:

• Creative writing: Some fiction writers use comma splices intentionally to create a conversational tone or a sense of urgency.

  She ran to the door, she didn’t look back.

• Dialogue: People often speak in run-ons, so comma splices in dialogue can reflect natural speech patterns.

Even in these cases, the key is to use them sparingly and intentionally. Overusing comma splices—or using them by accident—can make your writing feel sloppy rather than stylish.

Final Tip

Know the rules before you bend them. In most writing, fix comma splices to ensure your ideas are clear and your prose is polished. If you choose to use them creatively, make sure it’s a conscious decision that fits your voice and purpose.

Comma Wars

To comma or not to comma, that is the question:
Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The missing punctuation of outrageous run-ons,
Or to take arms against a sea of commas
And by opposing end them.

There’s no question that when it comes to writing, my wife is my fiercest critic, editor-in-chief, and most steadfast supporter. For the past 40-plus years, we’ve agreed on almost every subject—except for commas. Rather than continue our never-ending skirmishes, I thought it was time to do a little research. After a bit of digging, we discovered that we were both right—and wrong. 

Personally, when it comes to comma use, I had always subscribed to the Theory of Supplemental Oxygen. According to this theory, if you run out of breath and require supplemental oxygen at the end of a sentence, you’re probably missing a comma or two. Although probably true, is this a useful theory? Will it keep any writer out of trouble on the Comma Wars battlefield?

Given my personal experience as MWSA Awards Director—and as a writer and occasional Commakaze—I thought we all might benefit from a refresher course.

Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to offer a short series of excerpts from various Internet sources, outlining eight basic battlefield rules of engagement for the use of commas. Will this be a dull recitation of something we all slept through—I mean learned, during elementary and high school English classes? Maybe.  But perhaps it’s worth pointing out that one could say the same thing about the instructions that came with that new gas grill you bought at Home Depot.  You ignore those boring instructions at your peril.

After finishing these articles, if you don’t end up winning the Comma Wars, maybe you’ll at least be able to arrange a ceasefire.

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction—such as: and, but, yet, so, or, nor, for—when it joins two complete thoughts or ideas (independent clauses).

Examples

1. Betsy read the author’s book, and then she filled out her MWSA scoring sheet.

2. Rob can apply the rules of grammar when writing his novel, or he can suffer the consequences when he doesn’t.

3. Jack and Jill went up a hill, but they didn’t come down together.

This comma informs your reader that you’ve finished the introductory phrase or clause, and you’re getting around to the sentence’s central theme.

Examples

1. When Nancy got settled at her desk to read her email, her cat decided it was time to play.

2. After suffering through the book’s early chapters, Jim discovered that the book included some worthwhile information.

3. Before she knew what was happening, Carolyn’s cat jumped on the desk and spilled her tea all over the keyboard.

That’s it for this battle in the ongoing Comma Wars.  In our next campaign, we’ll cover comma use…

• between all items in a series

• to set off nonrestrictive clauses (is that when Santa isn’t enforcing his naughty-and-nice list?)

If you want to jump ahead or download a comma study guide for personal use, you can do an Internet search for “comma use.”  I’ve found the one offered by Indiana University East very helpful.

https://www.iue.edu/hss/writingcenter/documents/Commas.pdf

John Cathcart
MWSA Awards Director