5 ways to properly use a semicolon

5 ways to properly use a semicolon

Two weeks ago, I talked about how to use a comma properly. I thought I’d take today’s post to quickly outline when you should use the semicolon, a misunderstood and underused punctuation mark.

Here are 5 instances when you should use semicolons and a couple of examples for each. If you stick to these 5 circumstances, you may very well become an expert semicolon user.

1. Separate clauses

  • I live in Lethbridge; my house is downtown.
  • I like fruit; I hate apple juice.

2. Emphasize relatedness

  • I have a son; I am a father.
  • I ate my vegetables; I get dessert.

3. Before conjunctions linking complex clauses

  • If I eat all my vegetables, I get dessert; but if I don’t finish my vegetables, I’ll miss out on ice cream.

4. Separate items in complex list

  • I like cookies and ice cream; apples, bananas, and pineapple; and chicken and sausage.
  • I have lived in Regina, Saskatchewan; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Lethbridge, Alberta.

5. With conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases

  • I have a son; therefore, I am a father.
  • I didn’t eat my vegetables; however, I still get dessert.

Are you aware of any other legitimate uses of the semicolon? Put them in the comments below.

By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.

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