Proper Use of the Semi-Colon: Four Ways to Use Semi-Colons in Sentences

Posted on June 2nd, 2009 in Grammar by Athlyn Green

The semi-colon is an oft misunderstood punctuation mark. How do you use the semi-colon properly?

Does the semi-colon intimidate you? Have you ever wondered if you are using semi-colons correctly? The following article discusses four ways to use a semi-colon and should help to clear up any confusion.

It has been observed that the semi-colon is stronger than a comma and weaker than a period. We could liken the semi-colon to the yellow light at an intersection: it is not a full stop and it’s not a full go; it is used to bridge the difference between a green light and a red.

Using the Semi-Colon With Independent Clauses

The semi-colon, in like fashion, is placed between two independent clauses (remember: green light; red light) that are not joined by a conjunction. These clauses could stand on their own but share a connection: He came to the table; he saw the food; he gorged himself. Because of this, these clauses are better served with a semi-colon, instead of: He came to the table. He saw the food. He gorged himself.

The Semi-Colon and Adverbs

Use of the Semi-Colon in a Series With Internal Punctuation

The man, who related to us in nauseating detail the symptoms of his cold, left the office; he went to the hospital, which was closed; he travelled to the next city, which was miles off; his tire blew . . .

The Semi-Colon and Parentheses

Where do you place a semi-colon when you are using parentheses? The semi-colon goes outside the brackets:

He dismissed the lazy employee [Marvin]; he hired a no-nonsense “get-the-job-done” woman instead.

It pays to memorize uses of the semi-colon so that your writing is correct and your meaning is clear.

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15 Responses to “Proper Use of the Semi-Colon: Four Ways to Use Semi-Colons in Sentences”

swatilohani
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:37 am

great tips
Lucas Dié
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 am

Thanks! An easy to follow guide at last.

I feel less alone with others ranting about grammar, too.
Earnest
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:59 am

I never understood semi-colons. Thanks for this article
portasty
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:05 am

I loved stumbling upon this article. I am sure my writing skills will get better by this.
Jo Oliver
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:57 pm

I needed this one too!
Bullwinkle Muse
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:12 am

Very helpful guidelines for all writers. Thank you!
Athlyn Green
June 5th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Hello Everyone,
Thanks for the comments. “Chicago” is the definitive style guide on all things writing-related and is an invaluable tool for writers.
Bailey Thompson
June 7th, 2009 at 9:35 am

I never really understood the semi-colon either… Thanks for this article, it was very helpful!
Athlyn Green
June 7th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

Hi Bailey,
I’m glad the information helped you. A semi-colon is a neat grammatical mark.
C L Eckles
June 11th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

Definitely a great read for anyone unsure how to use a semicolon or someone who needs to brush up. I remember there was a prof in college who told us not to use semicolons, because we couldn’t and we’d end up with bad marks due to misuse. (I proved that statement wrong in my own paper, but others who tried failed — the semicolon is the bane of many writers’ grammatical existence.)
Athlyn Green
June 13th, 2009 at 10:15 am

Hi CL,
It helps to commit certain grammar rules to memory because having to check these when writing articles can slow a person down. Thank goodness for Chicago! It’s a great resource.

Thanks for all your comments!
K.Reshma
December 4th, 2009 at 3:09 am

Nice one
Mark
January 6th, 2010 at 10:06 pm

My doctor wants to remove my semicolon; should I let him?
Wayne
June 12th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

Mark…only let doc remove if you are diagnosed with writer’s block.
Athlyn Green
June 14th, 2010 at 10:21 am

Yes, semicolons can be tricky, whether “physical” or written!
For writing tips visit: http://www.writeandearnaliving.com