1. Between Independent Clauses

Definition: Semicolons can be used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. Both clauses must be able to stand alone as complete sentences.

Example 1:

• She loves reading; her favorite book is “Pride and Prejudice.”

Explanation: In this example, “She loves reading” and “her favorite book is ‘Pride and Prejudice’” are both independent clauses that can stand alone as separate sentences. The semicolon connects them, indicating a close relationship between the two ideas.

Example 2:

• We could go fishing on Saturday; you could borrow a pole from my neighbor.

Explanation: Both “We could go fishing on Saturday” and “you could borrow a pole from my neighbor” are complete sentences. The semicolon links them, emphasizing that borrowing a pole is related to the plan of going fishing.

Example 3:

• The weather was perfect for a picnic; the sun was shining brightly.

Explanation: Both “The weather was perfect for a picnic” and “the sun was shining brightly” are complete sentences. The semicolon connects them to show the relationship between the good weather and the sunshine.

Example 4:

• She finished her homework early; she decided to go for a run.

Explanation: “She finished her homework early” and “she decided to go for a run” are independent clauses. The semicolon links these actions, indicating that finishing her homework led to the decision to go for a run.

2. With Transitional Phrases or Conjunctive Adverbs

Definition: When using transitional phrases or conjunctive adverbs (such as however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, etc.) to connect two independent clauses, a semicolon is placed before the transitional phrase, and a comma follows it.

Example 1:

• The course is hard; however, the teacher is pretty funny.

Explanation: “The course is hard” and “the teacher is pretty funny” are independent clauses. “However” is a conjunctive adverb showing contrast. The semicolon before “however” and the comma after it properly link the two related ideas.

Example 2:

• He didn’t see the stop sign; therefore, he got a ticket.

Explanation: “He didn’t see the stop sign” and “he got a ticket” are independent clauses. “Therefore” indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. The semicolon and comma properly punctuate this relationship.

Example 3:

• I wanted to attend the meeting; however, I had a prior engagement.

Explanation: “I wanted to attend the meeting” and “I had a prior engagement” are independent clauses. “However” shows contrast, and the semicolon before “however” and the comma after it correctly punctuate the sentence.

Example 4:

• She studied diligently for the exam; therefore, she passed with flying colors.

Explanation: “She studied diligently for the exam” and “she passed with flying colors” are independent clauses. “Therefore” indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, properly punctuated with a semicolon and a comma.

3. In Lists with Internal Commas

Definition: Semicolons can be used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. This helps to avoid confusion between the elements of the list.

Example 1:

• On the trip, we visited Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Phoenix, Arizona.

Explanation: Each list item contains a comma separating the city from the state. Using semicolons between the items helps to clearly distinguish each location as a separate entity.

Example 2:

• He’s taking algebra, which he excels in; biology, his least favorite subject; and drama, just for fun.

Explanation: The items in this list include descriptions with commas. Using semicolons to separate the items makes it clear that each subject and its description are distinct parts of the list.

Example 3:

• We invited friends from Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.

Explanation: Each item in the list contains a comma separating the city from the country. Using semicolons to separate the items avoids confusion and clearly distinguishes each location.

Example 4:

• For the potluck, we need to bring salads, including pasta salad and potato salad; desserts, such as cake and cookies; and drinks, like soda and juice.

Explanation: The items in this list include descriptions with commas. Semicolons are used to separate the categories of food, making it clear that each group (salads, desserts, drinks) is distinct.