This month, we’re hitting the semicolon. You know, this guy.
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I know you sometimes use the semicolon to create a winky-face, but that’s not its only job. Many people avoid using it because they’re not sure how to use it properly. Let’s see if we can clear up that mystery today.
Basically, the semicolon separates major sentence elements of equal rank in a softer way than a period does. Keep that in mind as we go through its uses.
Most common use of semicolons
The most common use of a semicolon is to join two independent clauses (sentences). These sentences should be closely related to each other by cause and consequence. Here’s an example:
I left work early; I had a headache.
Why not just use a period? Using a semicolon indicates close relationship while keeping sentences shorter and more concise.
Be careful not to overuse the semicolon here. Most of the time, a period will work just fine. If cause and consequence come into play, use the semicolon.
Semicolons with transitional expressions
Transitional expressions seem like a complicated grammar thing, don’t they? Not to worry. You already know what these are.
Transitional expressions can be either conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. Recognize any of these?
Conjunctive adverbs: accordingly, also, anyway, besides, certainly, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore, hence, however, incidentally, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, specifically, still, subsequently, then, therefore, thus
Transitional phrases: after all, as a matter of fact, as a result, at any rate, at the same time, even so, for example, for instance, in addition, in conclusion, in fact, in other words, in the first place, on the contrary, on the other hand
When you have two complete sentences joined by one of the words or phrases above, the proper punctuation is a semicolon before the word or phrase and a comma after it.
Bob wanted to go to the movies; however, Nancy wanted to go to the circus.
Diane thought Jim was a great guy; on the other hand, Tom was one of the hottest guys she’d ever met.
See how that works? Easy.
Don’t confuse the rule above when using the words and, but, or, nor, for, so and yet. These are coordinating conjunctions and only require a comma be placed before them.
Tom asked Diane to go to the museum, but Diane already had a date with Jim.
Semicolons in a series
Semicolons are required when separating items in a series containing internal punctuation.
Huh?
I know. This one really slips by people. Let me give you an example.
The board members include Tom Savage, president; Gina Rust, CFO; Corey Highmore, marketing director; and Lance Kendricks, director.
If you used all commas in the sentence above, it could confuse the reader. Semicolons used in this case keep the information clear and easy to decipher. Perfect!
How NOT to use a semicolon
Don’t use a semicolon between a dependent clause and the rest of the sentence.
Incorrect: After Nancy got home from the circus; she ate her bag of cotton candy in the dark.
Correct: After Nancy got home from the circus, she at her bag of cotton candy in the dark.
Don’t use a semicolon between an appositive (a phrase that describes a noun or pronoun) and the word it refers to.
Incorrect: Another great museum is the Louvre; a historic monument in Paris, France.
Correct: Another great museum is the Louvre, a historic monument in Paris, France.
Don’t use a semicolon to introduce a list. That’s a colon’s job.
Incorrect: My favorite football players play for Green Bay; Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Devante Adams.
Correct: My favorite football players play for Green Bay: Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Devante Adams.
Clear as mud, right?
I hope at least some of that helped. If you’re still confused, tell us about it in the comments. Let’s see if we can finally clear this up.
Next time we’ll talk about the always-fun apostrophe. Most of the time I’m just happy to spell apostrophe right.
Join me, won’t you?