What is a semicolon?
A semicolon (;) joins two complete sentences that are closely linked in meaning.
They can be used instead of a full stop between related sentences, or instead of a conjunction like 'and' or 'but'.
I like going to the beach; building sandcastles is fun.
A semicolon can also help separate longer phrases in a list, especially when commas have already been used.
To build a sandcastle, you need a bucket, spade and sand; water to hold the sand together; and shells or sticks, to decorate it.
What are semicolons?
Discover how to use semicolons with this news article about a sandcastle building competition. Then, put your knowledge to the test in the quiz!
How to use semicolons
A semicolon joins two closely related but independent sentences.
You can check if a semicolon is the best choice by making sure:
- Both parts can stand alone as complete sentences.
- They are about the same topic or idea.
- You could join them with a conjunction like 'and' or 'but'.
Semicolons are also useful for separating complex list items that already contain commas, especially when those items are detailed or descriptive.
Example 1
What is wrong with the sentence below?
How could it be punctuated correctly?
It was nearly dark, the children hadn’t finished their sandcastle.
✓ This sentence contains a comma splice.
A comma splice happens when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are incorrectly joined with only a comma.
To fix it, you either need a full stop, a conjunction, or a semicolon to join the clauses correctly.
It was nearly dark; the children hadn’t finished their sandcastle.
Example 2
Which sentence below is punctuated correctly?
a) The storm clouds gathered overhead; and the children ran for shelter.
b) The storm clouds gathered overhead; the children ran for shelter.
✓ b) The storm clouds gathered overhead; the children ran for shelter.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
In option 'a', the word ‘and’ makes the semicolon unnecessary.
Option 'b' correctly uses the semicolon to link two complete, related sentences.
Task
Search for the semicolon!
- Choose a topic you love, like music, art, cooking, gaming…
- Then write 10 sentences about it.
- Next, see which sentences you might be able to join using a semicolon!
- Write these sentences out in the style of a newspaper report.
Play our fun English game Crystal Explorers! game
Use grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to explore jungles, caves and tombs on your mission.
More on Punctuation
Find out more by working through a topic
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