A Guide to Using Semicolons

Semicolons Separate Independent Clauses

A semicolon separates related independent clauses that are joined without a coordinating conjunctionsuch as and:

Mabel the Cat had made a big pot of goulash; it was simmering on the stove.

Goulash was Harry the Dog's favorite; the scent drew him to the kitchen.

A semicolon can also replace a comma between two clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction like and in cases where the sentence might otherwise be confusing—for examplebecause of particularly long clausesor the presence of other commas:

As Mabel's culinary efforts continuedwith bread baking in the oven and a cabbage dish just begunshe admonished Harry to keep out of her way; but Harry's ability to remain at a decent distance from the stove was severely challenged.

Semicolons are used especially when the second clause is introduced by an adverb or a short phrasesuch as howeverindeedthusin that caseas a resulton the other handfor exampleor that is:

Mabel did not take kindly to the encroachment of Harry into her personal cooking space; indeedshe at one point responded to the sudden appearance of his muzzle at her elbow with a distinct and species-appropriate hiss.

Such an adverb or phrase can also appear elsewhere in the second clause:

Harry was an animal driven by primal need to gain immediate access to the goulash; his options for achieving that aim werehoweverlimited.

A semicolon can also join two statements when the second clause is missing some essential words that are supplied by the first clause. In short sentencesa comma often replaces the semicolon:

Mabel's cooking prowesshoned through years of complex feastswas formidable; the interruption of its application ill-advised.

The scent of the baking bread was sublimethe perfume of the goulash intoxicating.

A semicolon is also often used before introductory expressions such as for examplethat isand namelyin place of a coloncommadashor parenthesis:

On one important point Harry and Mabel agreed; that isit would be better for all if Harry found somewhere else to be while Mabel finished cooking.

Semicolons Separate Phrases or Items in a List or Series

A semicolon is used in place of a comma to separate phrases or items in a list or series when the phrases or items themselves contain commas or are especially long:

Harry set out to find a dessert that would demonstrate his deep appreciation of Mabel's meal. Ideallyit would be sweetsaltyand chocolatey; would feature the softcreamy texture that Mabel adored; and be suitable for breakfast as well as dessert.

Harry's three favorite bakeries are in PittsburghPA; PhoenixAZ; and Walla WallaWA.

When the items in a series are long or are sentences themselvesthey are usually separated by semicolons even if they lack internal commas:

In the endthe meal Mabel and Harry shared was first-rate: the bread and cabbage dish complemented the goulash exquisitely; the chocolate croquembouche was divine; and the conversation was lively and amicable.

Note thatunlike commas and periodsa semicolon that punctuates the larger sentence is placed outside quotation marks and parentheses:

For her birthdayHarry gave Mabel an apron that said "Number 1 Cook"; Mabel cordially accepted it but has yet to wear it.

She appreciated the sentiment (which she knows Harry feels sincerely); but the apron is simply not her .