A GUIDE TO PUNCTUATION - SEMICOLONS

Semicolons - Using Them Properly

Semicolons (;) are one of the trickier pieces of punctuation that you’ll encounter. Most novice—and even some experienced—writers struggle with the proper use of this punctuation. Think of a semicolon as a connector, like a stronger comma. You can use semicolons in two different ways.

1. Using semicolons to connect independent clauses

The most common way of using this tricky mark is by connecting two independent clauses that are closely related. This can be useful in showing the importance of the second clause while maintaining a more effective pace, usually replacing a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, etc.).

Example:

King Arthur hated when Merlin quoted their wizard friends; it often just confused the young king more than anything.

2. Using semicolons in a list

Semicolons can also take the place of commas in a list. This is used when the items in a list are more complex than a couple of words or contain punctuation themselves.

Example:

Merlin finally walked out of the castle with a wagon of party supplies: costumes from the wardrobe of William Shakespeare, who had yet to be born; cakes made by the elves from a nearby forest; and magical trinkets, many from the horde of Merlin’s old pet dragon.