When to Use a Semicolon | Rules and Examples

This article explains when to use a semicolon along with helpful usage rules and examples.

What Is a Semicolon?

A semicolon is a type of punctuation mark that separates items within a sentence. It’s useful in many different contexts.

To Separate Items in a Series

Generally, you should use commas to separate items in a series. However, when at least one of the items contains commas, then use semicolons instead to separate the items from each other.

Examples:

On our vacation, we took photos; went swimming, climbing, and horseback riding; and ate at a lot of great restaurants.

Tomorrow, I have to take a test; study for my biology, math, and literature finals; and start writing a paper that’s due next week.

Before moving, we have to buy boxes, pack them, and move them to a storage area; clean the house; and change our address with the post office.

Taylor is an archaeologist who studied in England; has been on digs in Egypt, Italy, and Peru; and currently teaches at the university.

For her theater group, Jana makes costumes; operates lights; and helps with hair, makeup, and stage design as well.

With Independent Clauses and Conjunctions

Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are joined by a conjunction if at least one of the clauses contains commas.

Semicolon Examples:

Constance intended to go hiking, biking, and swimming last week; but her back injury prevented her from doing anything active.

Carmen was going to make a cake, pie, or tart for the party; but then she decided that cookies would be more appropriate.

We can either visit Spain, France, and Italy; or we can just spend the entire two weeks in the United Kingdom.

I thought about getting a degree in finance, math, or marketing; but instead I got an engineering degree.

With Independent Clauses Alone

Use a semicolon between independent clauses whose ideas are closely linked if the clauses are not already joined by a conjunction.

Examples:

Our cat chased a mouse out of the house; the mouse scampered across the yard.

My driving test is in a week; I’m nervous about it.

Shoshana frantically looked for her missing necklace; she couldn’t find it.

I tried to avoid getting the flu; I caught it anyway.

Enrique wasn’t feeling well; he decided not to come.

With Independent Clauses and Conjunctive Adverbs or Transitions

Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are joined by either a conjunctive adverb such as consequently, furthermore, however, instead , or therefore or a transition such as as a result , for example , or in fact .

Examples:

The storm brought a foot of snow to the area; consequently , most schools canceled classes.

I’m not afraid of spiders; however , snakes scare me a lot.

I hurt my ankle while running; as a result , I’m not able to go hiking with my friends.

The surprise birthday party starts at 8PM; therefore , we should get there by 7:45PM at the latest.

Check out our free, printable SemiColon Worksheets!