semicolon

To use the semicolon correctly, follow the guidelines below.

On this page

• Clause; clause
• Clause; and clause
• Clause; adverb, clause
• Elliptical clauses
• Other elements in a series
• Misuse and overuse

Clause; clause

The semicolon is used between independent clauses not joined by a co-ordinating conjunction but too closely related to be separated by a period:

• Inflation makes misery unanimous; it is universal poverty.
  —Arthur Meighen
• When I was younger I used to worry about having enough money for my old age; now I worry about having enough old age for my money.
  —Helen Stimpson
• In theory the Commons can do anything; in practice, it can do little.
  —John Turner

If the clauses are short and parallel, a comma may replace the semicolon:

• I’ll talk, you listen.

Clause; and clause

Clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction may also be separated by a semicolon (instead of a comma) if they are the last two of a series of clauses separated by semicolons:

• It is easy to jump on the bandwagon; it is easy to wash one’s hands of an issue; but it is not easy to take a position contrary to that of the majority and to defend it at all costs, to the bitter end.

A semicolon may also be used if a sharper break is required than could be achieved with a comma (for emphasis or to convey antithesis):

• The politician proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the unemployed worker fears this is true.

Clause; adverb, clause

Clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb usually require a semicolon between them, though a comma may be enough if the clauses are short:

• He loved his country; therefore, he fought and died for it.
• I think, therefore I am.

Elliptical clauses

Elliptical clauses are conventionally separated from each other and from the introductory clause by semicolons, with commas often marking the ellipsis:

• To err is human; to forgive, divine.

The semicolon can be replaced by a comma, however, provided that the comma marking the ellipsis can be dropped:

• One best seller makes a successful writer, ten a great one.

Other elements in a series

Semicolons may be used in place of commas to separate parallel elements in a series if these elements are complex or contain internal punctuation, or if greater emphasis is desired:

• Genesis 2:3; 4:15, 7; 5:9–14
• Nature is often hidden; sometimes overcome; seldom extinguished.
• Mrs. Jacobson invited her neighbour, Laura Kelly; her niece, Alyson Brent; and her sister, Sandra Leeson.

Even a series of parallel subordinate clauses may be separated in this manner, provided that the resulting punctuation is not apt to confuse the reader.

Misuse and overuse

Although most writers tend to underuse rather than overuse the semicolon, a writing style that employs a large number of semicolons is likely to be heavy and dull. Consider using the dash, colon or comma instead.

Do NOT use a semicolon

• to separate unequal items:
  • INCORRECT: After he ate breakfast; John woke up the children.

    CORRECT: After he ate breakfast, John woke up the children.

    NOTE: Semicolons are always used between elements of equal rank or
    strength (such as two independent clauses). The above example
    contains a dependent and an independent clause.

• to introduce quotations:
  • INCORRECT: Trudeau gave an oft-quoted response; “Just watch
    me.”

    CORRECT: Trudeau gave an oft-quoted response: “Just watch
    me.”

• to introduce listings or summaries:
  • INCORRECT: Please bring the following; the picnic basket, a
    blanket and sunscreen.

    CORRECT: Please bring the following: the picnic basket, a
    blanket and sunscreen.