Uses of the Semicolon

Joining independent clauses

A semicolon is much like a period, but whereas a period keeps two independent clauses apart and turns them into separate sentences, a semicolon joins them to show a close connection. Compare the following examples.

• I helped the committee all I could. I even searched the back issues of the paper to find evidence.

• I helped the committee all I could; I even searched the back issues of the paper to find evidence.

• I helped the committee all I could, and I even searched the back issues of the paper to find evidence.

All three examples are correct. The semicolon emphasizes a close relationship between the two independent clauses.

Often you'll find a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase in the clause following a semicolon, since those words point out the relationship between the clauses.

• The results of the inquiry were unclear; however, the head of the project resigned.

• Some people continued to support us; others, on the other hand, refused to speak to us.

Indicators like these aren't required. But don't use a semicolon unless you want to emphasize the close connection between clauses.

• It was time to vote; we were sick of the endless wrangling. (yes)

• It was time to vote; the secretary carried lunch in and put it on the table. (no, unless the vote concerns lunch)

You may follow a semicolon that divides independent clauses with one of the seven coordinating conjunctions, although it is not necessary to do so as it is when you separate independent clauses with a comma.

• That night the timber wolf appeared to revive; but when we woke in the morning, full of hope that we had saved it, we were saddened to find its body at the edge of the clearing.

It would be perfectly correct to use a comma before but in this examples; the semicolon, however, creates a stronger pause. Also, because there are already two commas in the second clause, a semicolon in desirable, since it indicates the main break in the sentence.

Between items in a series

In a series, use a semicolon between items if the items are particularly long, or if they themselves contain commas.

• The planning committee included David H. Takahashi, president of the Kiwanis Club; Leroy Carter, head of the local merchants group; Romana Gilbert, editor of the local paper; and Irma Quintero, Spanish department chairperson at the junior college.

• Jesse Stone's report states that the college, plagued by financial worries, cannot fulfill these needs; that the community response, while positive, has not resulted in substantial donations; and that charitable organizations, service clubs, and private donors have been overwhelmed with similar requests.

Notice that when semicolons are used in series, the series' items do not have to be independent clauses.

Semicolons with quotation marks

Follow this rule when dealing with quotation marks: always place semicolons outside the quotation mark.

• He asked me to be quiet and mind my “ atrocious manners”; I told him I'd say what I pleased.

• Mrs. Coot wanted to use words like “prohibit” and “forbid”; to devise strong, painful punishments for infractions; to publish this book of rules as soon as possible; and, in a bountiful gesture, to distribute it to the orphans on Christmas Eve along with their gruel.