Practice
What a semicolon does in English writing
Sign in to saveLeila finished the report before lunch; her manager read it that afternoon. The semicolon joins two complete ideas that belong together without using a joining word such as and or but.
Use a semicolon to join two closely related complete sentences or to separate detailed items in a list, and avoid using it where a comma is needed.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
a semicolon joins two clauses /ə ˌsem.ɪˈkəʊ.lən dʒɔɪnz tuː ˈklɔː.zɪz/
The short answer
Use a semicolon between two complete sentences that have a close connection, or between detailed list items that already contain commas. Do not use it to join a complete sentence to a fragment.
The shop was closed; we returned the next morning.
Why it works: The shop was closed and we returned the next morning can both stand alone as complete sentences, so a semicolon can join them.
6 more examples
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The bus was late; I called the office from the stop.
Each side is a complete sentence, and the phone call happened because of the delay.
Not this:The bus was late,
so I calledthe office from the stop. What changes: A comma and so also join the two complete sentences. The word so makes the result explicit. -
Mina wanted to stay longer; however, the last train left at ten.
A semicolon comes before however when however links two complete sentences. A comma follows however.
Not this:Mina wanted to stay longer
, butthe last train left at ten. What changes: But is a coordinating conjunction, so it normally follows a comma rather than a semicolon. -
We visited Bristol, England; Cork, Ireland; and Ghent, Belgium.
The semicolons separate the three place groups because each group already contains a comma.
Not this:We visited
Bristol, Cork, and Ghent. What changes: A simple list usually needs commas only because its items do not contain internal commas. -
The meeting ended early; the team still completed the checklist.
The clauses are complete and the second idea is a related result or contrast.
Not this:The meeting ended early
because the team completed the checklist. What changes: Because begins a dependent clause here, so a semicolon would not go before it. -
The instructions were clear; everyone began the task without questions.
Both sides can stand alone, and the second sentence follows naturally from the first.
Not this:
Although the instructions were clear, everyone began the task without questions. What changes: Although starts a dependent clause, so the sentence uses a comma after that opening clause. -
For the trip, pack a map, a charger, and water; a jacket and gloves; and a small first-aid kit.
The first group contains commas, so semicolons help the reader see the larger groups in the list.
Not this:For the trip, pack
water, a jacket, gloves, and a first-aid kit. What changes: This short list has simple items, so commas are enough.
Read the full guide
First, test each side of the semicolon. Can the words before it stand as a sentence? Can the words after it stand as a sentence? If the answer is yes to both questions, a semicolon may work when the ideas are closely connected. If one side cannot stand alone, choose another punctuation pattern.
Start by checking for two complete sentences
A semicolon usually joins two independent clauses. Each clause needs enough information to stand by itself as a sentence. Read each side aloud as if it ended with a full stop. If both sides make sense, a semicolon may be possible.
The café was full; we found a table outside.
The café was full is complete. We found a table outside is also complete.
The café was full; because it was Saturday.
Because it was Saturday cannot stand alone, so this semicolon is wrong.
Can the words after the punctuation stand alone as a sentence?
If they cannot, do not use a semicolon in that position.
Join ideas that belong closely together
Use a semicolon when two complete sentences share one situation or one line of thought. It does not explain every possible relationship. The reader can see the link from the words around it. A full stop is also correct when you want a clearer pause.
The rain stopped; the children ran back to the playground.
The second clause is a natural result of the first, so the connection is easy to follow.
The rain stopped. The children ran back to the playground.
The full stop is grammatical too. It gives the reader a stronger break.
Do the two complete sentences describe one connected situation?
If they do, a semicolon can be a useful option.
Use connectors with the right punctuation
Words such as however, therefore, instead, and meanwhile are often used to connect complete sentences. Put a semicolon before the connector and a comma after it when the connector sits between the clauses. This pattern is different from a comma followed by and, but, or so.
The tickets sold out; therefore, we watched the concert online.
Therefore introduces the result, and the clauses on both sides are complete.
The tickets sold out, so we watched the concert online.
So is a coordinating conjunction in this sentence, so it follows a comma.
Does the joining word begin a new complete sentence?
If it does and it is a connector such as however, a semicolon before it may fit.
Make detailed lists easier to read
Semicolons can divide the main parts of a list when ordinary commas would make the groups hard to see. This happens with places that include a city and country, people named with their job, or items that have their own short descriptions.
The panel included Rosa Chen, the chair; Malik Adeyemi, the treasurer; and Dana White, the secretary.
Each name group includes a comma, so semicolons show where one group ends and the next begins.
The panel included Rosa, Malik, and Dana.
The items are simple names, so commas are enough.
Do the list items already contain commas?
If they do, semicolons can make the larger groups clear.
Avoid common semicolon mistakes
Do not use a semicolon as a stronger comma inside one clause. It cannot repair a sentence fragment. Do not place it before a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or so. When a subordinate clause begins with because, although, if, or when, use the punctuation pattern that the clause needs instead.
I stayed home because I felt ill.
Because connects the reason to the main clause. The words after because are not a separate sentence.
I wanted to go, but I felt ill.
A comma and but join two complete sentences here. Do not write a semicolon before but.
What should you check before choosing a semicolon?
Check for two complete, closely related sentences or for a detailed list with internal commas.
Before you go
Remember this
Use a semicolon between two closely related complete sentences. Check that both sides can stand alone. Use it in a list when the main items already contain commas. Do not use a semicolon to join a complete sentence to a dependent clause, and do not add one before a coordinating conjunction such as and or but.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
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Try the written questionsQuestions about "What a semicolon does in English writing"
What is a semicolon used for?
A semicolon can join two complete sentences that have a close connection. It can also separate the main items of a detailed list when the items already contain commas. Check the structure on both sides before using it.
The bus was late; I called the office from the stop.
Can I use a semicolon instead of a full stop?
Often, yes. If two complete sentences describe one closely connected situation, a semicolon can join them. A full stop is also correct and gives the reader a stronger pause. Choose the punctuation that makes the relationship easiest to follow.
The bus was late, so I called the office from the stop.
Can a semicolon join a sentence and a fragment?
No. A semicolon needs a complete sentence on each side when it connects clauses. A group beginning with because, although, if, or when is often dependent and cannot stand alone. Use the punctuation pattern that fits the whole sentence.
Mina wanted to stay longer; however, the last train left at ten.
Why are semicolons used in some lists?
Semicolons separate large list items when the items already contain commas. They help the reader see the main groups. A list of simple words or names normally needs commas only.
Mina wanted to stay longer, but the last train left at ten.
Do I use a semicolon before however?
Use a semicolon before however when it links two complete sentences, then put a comma after however. If you use but, and, or so to join complete sentences, use a comma before that coordinating conjunction instead.
We visited Bristol, England; Cork, Ireland; and Ghent, Belgium.