Semicolons
Essential Question
When do we use a semicolon to link two independent clauses and connect words in a series?
Grammar in the World
What Do I Know?
Use the interactive below to see how much you already know about semicolons:
Building Blocks
Grammar is a complex system and structure of language. Mizzou Academy Grammar Lab spotlights one skill (or block) at a time, but it’s often helpful to see how a skill works together with other, related blocks to build the language structure as a whole. You may find the following resource topics helpful as context for this lesson:
Learn About Semicolons
I read somewhere recently that the semicolon is the most misunderstood punctuation mark. I don’t know about that, but I do know that many people are not quite sure when to use a semicolon, unless, that is, they are making a winking emoji. ;) In this lesson you will learn about how to expand your use of a semicolon beyond winking at someone in a SnapChat message.
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that looks like a period stacked on top of a comma.
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Like a period, a semicolon is used to join two independent clauses. You might choose to use a semicolon to join independent clauses that are related in some way. Usually, this is when you want to emphasize the relationship between the two independent clauses.
For example, you could write:
Last night my dog splashed through every single mud puddle in the dog park. He was a muddy mess!
- This is correct. However, if you wanted to emphasize just how much of a mud-covered disaster he was, you could use a semicolon:
Last night my dog splashed through every single mud puddle in the dog park; he was a muddy mess!
- Note that when you use a semicolon to join two independent clauses, you do not capitalize the first word of the second clause.
Sometimes you also use semicolons when listing items in a series. Look at the chart, below, to see how to use semicolons in a series.
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When to use a semicolon |
Example |
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Use a semicolon instead of a period to join two independent clauses. |
Sentence using a period: Blake doesn’t like his job. He should quit. Sentence using a semicolon: Blake doesn’t like his job; he should quit. |
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Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses instead of using a comma and a conjunction. |
Sentence using comma and coordinating conjunction: We watched Aaliyah’s dance performance yesterday evening, and it was flawless. Sentence using a semicolon: We watched Aaliyah’s dance performance yesterday evening; it was flawless. |
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Use a semicolon instead of a period to join two related independent clauses when the second clause begins with a transitional expression such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore. |
Sentence using a period: The budding trees and flowers are so beautiful this time of year. In fact, spring is my favorite season. The budding trees and flowers are so beautiful this time of year; in fact, spring is my favorite season. |
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Use semicolons in place of commas if items in a series already have commas. |
Sentence with a series using commas: We went on a road trip through Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. Sentence with a series using commas and semicolons: We went on a road trip through Kansas City, Missouri; Dodge City, Kansas; and Denver, Colorado. Sentence with a series using commas: On our road trip, we ate barbecue in Kansas City, hamburgers in Dodge City, and Rocky Mountain Oysters in Denver. Sentence with a series using semicolons: On our road trip, we ate delicious, mouth-watering barbecue in Kansas City; juicy, cheesy hamburgers in Dodge City; and deep-fried, spicy Rocky Mountain Oysters in Denver. |
Do I Get It?
Use the interactive below to test your new knowledge of semicolons. (Note: Some sentences should have more than one semicolon.)