How to Use Semicolons

Last week, we talked about the five primary uses for colons. Today, we’ll look at how to use semicolons to connect related sentences and separate run-in list items.

1. Connect Closely Related Sentences

Strengthen or highlight the relationship between two closely related sentences by connecting them with a semicolon rather than dividing them with a period:¹

The kitten and the puppy are best friends; they play, nap, and eat together.

2. Connect Closely Related Sentences with an Introductory Word or Phrase

Strengthen or highlight the dependence between two closely related sentences by connecting them with a semicolon and an introductory word or phrase (e.g., however, for example) at the beginning of the second sentence:²

The heat index in Chicago is 105 degrees; however, thunderstorms may bring cooler temperatures tomorrow.

The Starved Rock Lodge dining room offers several healthy lunch options; for example, you can order a veggie wrap, black angus patty, or grilled chicken breast.

3. Connect Closely Related Sentences with a Conjunction

Most closely related sentences joined by a conjunction (i.e., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) are connected with a comma; however, a semicolon can be used in place of the comma for a more dramatic effect:³

Bobby loves to visit Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex; but the Field Museum is very crowded during summer tourist season, so he won’t visit her again until autumn.

4. Separate Run-in List Items Containing Commas

Use semicolons to separate run-in list items that have their own internal commas:⁴

I added several new songs to my playlist: “Cover Me Up,” “Live Oak,” and “Different Days” by Jason Isbell; “When You Need a Train It Never Comes,” “Shake the Walls,” and “Detroit or Buffalo” by Amanda Shires; and “Katie,” “6 Volts,” and “Been a Long Time” by Fred Eaglesmith.

We’ll conclude this how-to series next week with the underdog of punctuation—the em dash.

References

1. The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017), 6.56; Bryan A. Garner, The Chicago Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016), 357; and Garner, Garner’s Modern English Usage, 4th ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), 753.

2. The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017), 6.57; and Bryan A. Garner, The Chicago Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016), 357.

3. The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017), 6.59; Bryan A. Garner, The Chicago Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016), 357 ; and Garner, Garner’s Modern English Usage, 4th ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), 754.

4. The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017), 6.60; Bryan A. Garner, The Chicago Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016), 358; ; and Garner, Garner’s Modern English Usage, 4th ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), 754.