When to use a semicolon

When do I use a semicolon?

This is an excellent question. Using semicolons can be tricky.

Before I answer that question, let’s take a step back.  We have to revise what an independent clause is. 

An independent clause:

• has a subject and a verb;
• makes complete sense on its own.

Here is an example of an independent clause:

Amir made the presentation.

This is an independent clause. There is a subject (Amir) and verb (made). And it makes sense on its own.

Have you noticed that an independent clause is a simple sentence?  Yes, it is! 

Is this an independent clause?

Although we finished the report. 

This is not an independent clause. Yes, there is a subject (we) and a verb (finished). However, it just does not make any sense on its own!

It’s a dependent clause. There needs to be more information for it to be complete in meaning. So, it is not an independent clause. 

Now that independent clauses are out of the way, let’s focus on semicolons.

Two common uses of the semicolon

We use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses

Amir made the presentation; the client decided to accept our proposal.

Here, we have two independent clauses joined by a semicolon.

Do you like the look and feel of this sentence? If you do, then use a semicolon in your next email. 

Is this sentence grammatically correct?

Although we finished the report; I was unable to upload the file.

No, it isn’t. ‘Although we finished the report’ is a dependent clause. As you now know, a semicolon joins two independent clauses. 

In case you are wondering about that sentence–the semicolon needs to be replaced with a comma. 

A semicolon joins two simple sentences that are closely related in meaning. 

Using a semicolon to divide a list 

This is a list of speakers for the panel discussion: Ms. X, CEO of Kaboo; Dr. L, Professor of Semicolons at University of Row; Mr. O, COO of Bow Wow.

Now imagine we replace all semicolons with commas.

This is a list of speakers for the panel discussion: Ms. X, CEO of Kaboo, Dr. L, Professor of Semicolons at University of Row, Mr. O, COO of Bow Wow.

Are you as confused as I am? I certainly hope so…

I don’t know whether the CEO of Kaboo is Ms. X or Dr. L or whether the CEO of Kaboo is another person altogether!

We could spend a whole day trying to figure out who is who. Thankfully, with semicolons, the list becomes crystal clear. 

Do you have to make such complicated lists? If so, think semicolon. 

To conclude… 

Some people find semicolons to be pretentious. I find them to be elegant. It’s satisfying to see a dot hover over a comma. 

In terms of meaning in the world of punctuation, a semicolon is somewhere midway between a comma and a full stop. 

Here is a detailed post on the use of semicolons. 

If you find them attractive, use them in your writing. The world would be a better place with more semicolons.

Make sure you are not making these common errors in punctuation.