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Semi-Colons
- Aug 21, 2021
- 3 min read
It's Skilful Saturday! Let's talk...semi-colons and if you're using them correctly.
What are semi-colons?
A semi-colon (or semicolon) is a punctuation mark that is used to indicate a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma.
Both 'semi-colon' and 'semicolon' are accepted spellings, however, you must remain constistent in your choice. As I grew up being taught in GCSE English with the hypenated version, that is what I will use.
The semi-colon looks like a comma with a dot above it ( ; ).
How to use them
Independent clauses and semi-colons:
An independent clause is a sentence or a phrase that can stand alone and still make sense to the reader.
If two or more clauses that are grammatically complete and not joined by a conjunction are to form a single compound sentence, then use a semi-colon.
> Examples:
- Mary Shelley's works are entertaining; they are full of engaging ideas.
- It is nearly half past five; we cannot reach town before dark.
equally correct to write as two separate sentences, replacing the semi-colons with full stops
L Mary Shelley's works are entertaining. They are full of engaging ideas.
L It is nearly half past five. We cannont reach town before dark.
If a conjunction is insterted between the two sentences, use a comma - not a semi-colon.
> Examples:
- Mary Shelley's works are entertaining, for they are full of engaging ideas.
- It is nearly half past five, and we cannot reach town before dark.
Semi-colons vs commas vs full stops:
Comparison can show the advantage of semi-colons:
> Examples:
- Mary Shelley's works are entertaining; they are full of engaging ideas.
is better than using a full stop to separate the two clauses because it suggests the close relationship
between the two statements in a way that "Mary Shelley's works are entertaining. They are full of
engaging ideas." does not.
- Mary Shelley's works are entertaining; they are full of engaging ideas.
is better than using a comma and a conjunction because it is briefer and therefore more forcible than:
"Mary Shelley's works are entertaining, for they are full of engaging ideas."
- the simple method of indicating the relationship between statements is one of the most useful devices of
composition.
the relationship is commonly one of cause and consequence.
Exception to the semi-colon rule: a comma is preferable when the clauses are very short and alike in form, or when the tone of the sentence is easy and conversational.
> Examples:
- Man proposes, God disposes.
- The gates swung apart, the bridge fell, the portcullis was drawn up.
- I hardly knew him, he was so changed.
- Here today, gone tomorrow.
Semi-colons and adverbs:
If the second clause is preceded by an adverb, such as 'accordingly', 'besides', 'then', 'therefore', or 'thus', and not by a conjunction, the semi-colon is still required.
> Examples:
- I had never been in the place before; besides, it was dark as a tomb.
Learn the rules and uses of semi-colons and practice these as often as you can so they become a natural instinct in your writing/editing. Let us know how your learning is going - find us on Instagram @lets_talk.uk and like, comment, and subscribe. Don't forget to submit your recommendations for Watch Wednesdays in the comments or through the form. Keep using those keen eyes and stay tuned for next week's Skilful Saturday. Let's talk then!
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