A memory trick and chart will help you remember how to use semicolons.
4 Reasons to Use Semicolons
- To separate clauses
- To create variety
- To emphasize relatedness
- To separate items in a complex list
Today's topic is semicolons. I get a lot of questions about semicolons, so it's time to clear up some confusion.
Semicolons Separate Clauses
Semicolons separate things. Most commonly, they separate two main clauses that are closely related to each other but could stand on their own as sentences if you wanted them to.
Here's an example:
I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
The two clauses in that sentence are separated by a semicolon and could be sentences on their own if you put a period between them instead:
I have a big test tomorrow. I can't go out tonight.
Semicolons Create Variety
One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure; for example, you might use a semicolon if you thought you had too many short, choppy sentences in a row.
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About the Author
Mignon Fogarty is the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips and the author of seven books on language, including the New York Times bestseller "Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing." She is an inductee in the Podcasting Hall of Fame, and the show is a five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards. She has appeared as a guest expert on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Today Show. Her popular LinkedIn Learning courses help people write better to communicate better.
