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 …
Semicolon - Wikipedia
The semicolon divides the items on the list from each other, to avoid having a jumble of commas with differing functions which could cause confusion for the reader. This is sometimes called …
Semicolons | Punctuation Rules and Examples
A semicolon (;) indicates an audible pause and can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences.
When to Use a Semicolon, With Examples - Grammarly Blog
Dec 5, 2024 · A semicolon is a punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely two related independent clauses in a single sentence when discussing the same topic or contrasting two …
What Is A Semicolon (;) & How Do You Use It? | Thesaurus.com
Feb 18, 2022 · A semicolon resembles a period placed over a comma (;). The two most common reasons to use a semicolon are to join two related independent sentences or to punctuate a list …
How and When to Properly Use a Semicolon [;] – With Examples
Do you avoid using a semicolon when writing because you aren’t sure how it should be used? Take a look at why you shouldn’t avoid it and how to add it to your writing.
Semicolons, colons, and dashes – The Writing Center
The semicolon keeps the clauses somewhat separate, like a period would do, so we can easily tell which ideas belong to which clause. But it also suggests that there may be a close relationship …
Semicolon - The Punctuation Guide
Most commonly, the semicolon is used between two independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) when a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, …
Semicolon (;) | Use, Meaning & Examples - QuillBot
Jan 9, 2025 · A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that is used to connect two closely related independent clauses (i.e., full sentences). Semicolons are used instead of a comma and …
When and how to use a semicolon - BBC Bitesize
Think of a semicolon as being like balancing scales. Both sides of the scale must be a main clause or a full sentence on their own. Don't use a semicolon instead of a comma to join a...