Why semicolon is used

Jamie really likes cheeses of all sorts, including both soft-ripened Bries and firm cheddars; but other cheese lovers sometimes stick to a single variety.

The first independent clause in this set already has a comma, which would make using a second comma to separate the clauses a little less clear. By using a semicolon, the sentence achieves clarity and also gives the reader a bit of a brain break — the semicolon provides a firmer stop than a comma would, so your reader can take in the whole idea without getting overwhelmed.

Thus, a semicolon is employed to make the separate list items more distinct. Many writers get the semicolon confused with its similar-looking, but very differently employed, cousin, the colon. Whereas the semicolon has a comma on the bottom, the colon has two vertically aligned dots, and is most commonly used to introduce a list.

However, colons can also be used between independent clauses, which can lead to some confusion. One good time not to use a semicolon: when you need a colon instead. See what I did there? Yet another common error has to do not with overusing the semicolon, but underusing it.

All too often, writers who are just learning how to make edits will employ a comma when they actually need the full weight of a semicolon. To link them with a comma instead is a common error known as a comma splice, which is exemplified below:. An example:. The first clause is dependent on the second, which means a semicolon provides too much of a pause in between the two ideas. Proper semicolon use can make your work sound more sophisticated and give you the opportunity to play with new sentence structures and clause lengths.

When it comes to having another tool to master and add to your writing workbox, the real question is: why not? And yes, the winking emoji is a proper use of the semicolon, too — at least in our book.

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In the example below, you can see that a full stop also called a period is separating the two sentences:. With the full stop above, the example reads like two unrelated ideas. However, in the following example, the semicolon creates a relationship between the two ideas:. Two independent clauses as in the example above should only be joined with a semicolon to create a complex sentence.

Using a comma instead is a grammatical error referred to as a comma splice. This is an example of a comma splice:. The second comma should be replaced with a semicolon because it is intended to link a second closely related independent clause. The trick for using a semicolon correctly is simple: there must be standalone sentences on either side of the semicolon punctuation mark.

Remember that a semicolon is used to create a relationship. The two sentences should not be completely unrelated or the punctuation mark is being used incorrectly, as is shown in the following example:.

To receive informative articles and tailored advice for academics and students, as well as updates about our exciting grant and scholarship opportunities, please subscribe to our blog. Share this article. The example above could be recast with the conjunction but , in which case a comma, rather than a semicolon, would be required.

The upperclassmen are permitted off-campus lunch, but the underclassmen must remain on campus. Technically, the semicolon could be replaced with a period, since each independent clause is a complete sentence. The semicolon, however, emphasizes the connection between the two clauses. Note: When the second clause expands on or explains the first, the colon is the better mark.