When to Use a Semicolon in a Sentence with Examples

What are the rules for using semicolons? Find out when to use a semicolon in a sentence with examples, semicolon vs colon, and when to use a semicolon in a list.

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​When to use a semicolon in a sentence is to show a pause between two independent related clauses; before introductory words, such as therefore, for example; a semicolon separates a list already using commas; and when a conjunction joins two sentences and there's a comma in the first sentence.
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The semicolon ( ; ) is one of the most misused punctuation marks and often confused with a colon.

​It is avoided because writers don’t know how to use it or it seems archaic. But when used properly, the semicolon can enhance the flow of your writing and provide variety in sentence structure.

Also, the semicolon eliminates punctuation errors, such as two clauses without a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) using a comma instead of a semicolon would create a comma splice. 

​So read on to find out when to use a semicolon in a sentence with examples.

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1. Between two closely related and complete sentences with no conjunction 

You use a semicolon if you have two closely related and complete sentences where there is no conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so); therefore, the second isn’t a dependent clause (a colon is used in this instance).

When to use a semicolon in a sentence with examples:

• Call me next week; I will let you know how things went. (Call me next week, and I will let you know how things went.)
• I walk our dog twice a day; it’s lovely to be out in the countryside. (I walk our dog twice a day, for it’s lovely to be out in the countryside.)
• Cyprus is a beautiful country; we're going to revisit again next year. (Cyprus is a beautiful country, so we're going to revisit again next year.)
• I'm afraid of heights; I tackled the climb anyway. (I'm afraid of heights, but I tackled the climb anyway.)

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2. Before introductory words

A semicolon is used before introductory words (therefore, however, in fact, that is, for example - e.g., for instance - i.e.) when they introduce a complete sentence. Also, use a comma after the introductory word:

• We will need to take food on our self-catering holiday; for example, cereal, milk, tea bags, snacks and sandwiches, so we don’t have to go shopping straight away.
• As discussed, you will need to supply two items of identification; i.e., a passport and driving licence.
• I have paid off my account in full; therefore, I expect to receive a closure letter to confirm.​

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3. To separate a list of items

A semicolon is used in a sentence to separate a list of items where commas are already used.

When to use a semicolon in a list:

• ​There were four attendees at the meeting: Tom, the marketing manager; Sarah, from HR; Kirsty, the accountant; and Paul, the CEO.
• We have offices in Philadelphia, US; Madrid, Spain; Toronto, Canada; and Copenhagen, Denmark.
• There are four ways to write out the options: first, second and third; firstly, secondly and thirdly; a, b and c; or one, two and three.

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4. When a conjunction joins two sentences and there's a comma in the first

A semicolon is used when a conjunction joins two sentences and there's a comma in the first sentence:

• When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; so I can then give you my undivided attention.
• If she finishes the race within two hours, she will break the record; and it would mean so much if her family is there.
• However many style guides there are, many authors choose their own rules for writing; yet, as a consequence, this can result in inconsistencies.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the following applies when using a semicolon in a sentence:

1. If you have two closely related and complete sentences where there is no conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so); therefore, the second isn’t a dependent clause (a colon is used in this instance).
2. Before introductory words (therefore, however, in fact, that is, for example - e.g., for instance - i.e.) when they introduce a complete sentence. Also, use a comma after the introductory word.
3. In a sentence to separate a list of items where commas are already used.
4. When two sentences are joined by a conjunction and a comma has already been used in the first sentence.

Use sparingly and don’t cram them into your writing; using semicolons can enrich your material when used effectively.

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