Semicolons: When, Where, and How to Use Them | Merriam-Webster
Sep 9, 2025 · Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. For example, this …
Semicolon - Wikipedia
In older English printed texts, colons and semicolons are offset from the preceding word by a non-breaking space, a convention still current in modern continental French texts.
Semicolons | Punctuation Rules and Examples - GrammarBook.com
It's no accident that a semicolon (;) is a period atop a comma. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop. Semicolons have …
When to Use a Semicolon, With Examples - Grammarly
Dec 5, 2024 · Semicolons provide a stronger pause than a comma and a softer transition than a period. Understanding when to use semicolons is vital for clear writing and enhancing sentence flow.
Colon vs. Semicolon: What’s The Difference? - Thesaurus.com
Sep 26, 2022 · The colon and semicolon are two punctuation marks with similar names that often cause a lot of confusion. Because they aren’t used as often as some other punctuation marks, it can be …
Semicolons, colons, and dashes – The Writing Center
This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms …
Semicolon - The Punctuation Guide
The semicolon is sometimes described as stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. In certain uses, this is a reasonably accurate definition. Yet there is more to the semicolon than that.
When To Use Semicolon In English With Examples
Feb 12, 2025 · Many English learners struggle with using semicolons correctly. Here are the most common mistakes, along with clear examples to help you understand the difference between right …
How to Use Semicolons: Rules and Examples - Reedsy
Oct 14, 2025 · Learn how and when to use semicolons with confidence and flair. This guide will help you master semicolon usage with four simple rules, real examples, and tips to make your writing polished!
Using Semicolons - Grammar Monster
Semicolons can be used in lists to outrank any commas that appear in list items. That's less complicated than it sounds. In a normal list, the list items are separated by commas. However, sometimes the list …
When and how to use a semicolon - BBC Bitesize
Not as final as a full stop but stronger than a comma; a semicolon can either join or separate. Learn how to use semicolons with BBC Bitesize KS3 English.
Semicolon (;) | Use, Meaning & Examples - QuillBot
Jan 9, 2025 · Semicolons are used to join two closely related independent clauses into one compound sentence (or, in some cases, a compound-complex sentence). The clauses on either side of the …
Using Semicolons – The Writing Center – UW–Madison
Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are …
Using Semicolons (;) | Guide, Rules & Examples - Scribbr
May 31, 2019 · Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses and to separate items in complex lists. Don't confuse them with commas or colons.
When to Use A Semicolon: How to Use A Semicolon
Semicolons look like a combination of a colon and a comma. Therefore, they are called semicolons, which literally means “half colon.” Semicolons are sometimes called the “super comma,” but they are …
Semicolon Usage: Definition, Rules, and Examples for English Learners
Aug 13, 2025 · While it might seem intimidating at first, mastering the semicolon can significantly enhance your writing, making it more sophisticated and nuanced. This article provides a …
Semicolon (;) When to Use a Semicolon in English - 7ESL
Sep 26, 2019 · Learn how and when to use a semicolon (;) in English with semicolon rules and examples. The semicolon generally connects two complete sentences, showing that they are closely …
What’s a Semicolon? + When to Use It (with Examples) - Wordtune
Jan 3, 2025 · Before you start sprinkling semicolons into your writing, you need to know when it’s appropriate to use them. Here are four main instances when you’ll use a semicolon.
When and How To Use a Semicolon ( ; ) | YourDictionary
Aug 24, 2022 · There’s one main semicolon rule to remember: When used in a sentence, each side of the semicolon must include an independent clause (a full sentence). Otherwise, the sentence isn’t …
Grammar: Semicolons - GCFGlobal.org
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that looks like a combination of a period and a comma, like the one here (shown in red): They are mostly used in poems, speeches, and academic writing. You probably …
How to Use a Semicolon: Rules and Examples
Once you gain some basic knowledge about how to use semicolons the right way, you will be able to incorporate them into your writing with confidence. What is a Semicolon? A semicolon is a …
Colon (punctuation) - Wikipedia
The colon, :, is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots aligned vertically. A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, [1] or a quoted sentence. [2] It is also used between hours and …