1. Using Semicolons Why are semicolons important?
Semicolons between independent clauses
Semicolons between items in a series
Review A
Review B

2. Why are semicolons important?;
Notice that a semicolon contains both a period and a comma. You can think of it as a blend of the two.
A semicolon marks a pause in a sentence. It is not quite as strong as a period, but it is stronger than a comma.
Medium pause (semicolon)
Slight pause (comma)
Strong pause (period)
Patty likes to act. Her sister gets stage fright.
Patty likes to act, but her sister gets stage fright.
Patty likes to act; her sister gets stage fright.

3. Why are semicolons important?
Semicolons are just the right punctuation mark to signal a medium pause and to help readers follow your writing.
Confusing
Rain soaked the earth plants became green fragrant flowers bloomed.
Clear
Rain soaked the earth; plants became green; fragrant flowers bloomed.
[End of Section]

4. Semicolons between independent clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses if the independent clauses
are closely related in meaning and
are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet
Independent clause
Independent clause
Ted noticed the weather; he put on his raincoat.

5. Semicolons between independent clauses Independent clause
An independent clause (or main clause) has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause can stand by itself as a sentence.
Subject
Verb
Wolves howled in the distance.
Wolves howled in the distance.
Wolves howled in the distance.
Subject
Verb
The campers were not afraid.
The campers were not afraid.
The campers were not afraid.

6. Semicolons between independent clauses
Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses only if the clauses are closely related.
Josh wants to go to Spain; she wants to go swimming.
Incorrect
These two clauses aren’t closely related.
Josh wants to go to Spain; she wants to go to France.
Josh wants to go to Spain. She wants to go swimming.
Correct
A period is used since the two clauses are not closely related.
These two clauses are closely related. A semicolon can be used to join them.

7. Semicolons between independent clauses
Remember, a semicolon must be followed by an independent clause, not a phrase. Also, the first word in an independent clause after a semicolon is lowercased, not capitalized.
Grammar Guy Says...
Manuel looked out at the downpour; then he put on his boots and raincoat.
Manuel looked out at the downpour; put on his boots and raincoat.
Now there are two independent clauses separated by a semicolon.
“Put on his boots and raincoat” doesn’t have a subject, so it is a phrase, not an independent clause.

8. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed.
1. Gwen likes classical music Fred prefers jazz.
2. Mimi’s family celebrates Hanukkah they display a menorah.
3. It has been snowing all night the trees are covered in white.

9. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed. ;
1. Gwen likes classical music Fred prefers jazz.
Clause #1: Gwen likes classical music
Clause #2: Fred prefers jazz
These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

10. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed.
2. Mimi’s family celebrates Hanukkah they display a Menorah. ;
Clause #1: Mimi’s family celebrates Hanukkah
Clause #2: they display a menorah
These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

11. Semicolons between independent clauses
Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed. ;
3. It has been snowing all night the trees are covered in white.
Clause #1: It has been snowing all night
Clause #2: the trees are covered in white
These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

12. Semicolons between independent clauses
On Your Own
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
Maria is the faster sprinter Angie is the best long-distance runner.
Roger might enjoy that movie Faye would also probably like it.
This book has great photos I love this shot of a mother giraffe with her baby.
4. The recreation center offers many activities gymnastics and basketball are two of them.

13. Semicolons between independent clauses
Answers
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
Maria is the faster sprinter Angie is the best long-distance runner.
Roger might enjoy that movie Faye would also probably like it.
This book has great photos I love this shot of a mother giraffe with her baby.
4. The recreation center offers many activities gymnastics and basketball are two of them. ; ; ; ;

14. Semicolons between independent clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
Emma felt shy; however, she soon made some friends.
however,
My bird does tricks; for example, he rings a bell with his beak.
for example,
Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the transitional expression are followed by commas.

15. Semicolons between independent clauses Conjunctive adverbs
Common Conjunctive Adverbs
also
however
meanwhile
still
besides
instead
nevertheless
then
consequently
likewise
otherwise
therefore
A conjunctive adverb shows how ideas relate to each other. It expresses a relationship between two independent clauses.

16. Semicolons between independent clauses Transitional expressions
Common Transitional Expressions
as a result
for example
for instance
in fact
in spite of
in conclusion
in other words
that is
A transitional expression shows how ideas fit together. It makes a connection between the ideas in two independent clauses.

17. Semicolons between independent clauses
When a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression appears within one of the clauses, it is set off by commas.
Grammar Guy Says...
That quilt is quite old; it is, in fact, filled with cotton.
Notice that the two clauses are still separated by a semicolon.

18. Semicolons between independent clauses
You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.
June sat with Tony, Pat, and me, and Max sat with Flora, Mia, and Karli.
Confusing
June sat with Tony, Pat, and me; and Max sat with Flora, Mia, and Karli.
Clear

19. Semicolons between independent clauses
You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.
Searching for the key, I found a dime, a nickel, and a pen, and John, my brother, found his lost watch.
Confusing
Searching for the key, I found a dime, a nickel, and a pen; and John, my brother, found his lost watch.
Clear

20. Semicolons between independent clauses
If a sentence is clear without a semicolon, don’t add one just because the clauses contain commas.
Grammar Guy Says...
Donny, you are a talented artist, and your sister is, too.
A comma is all that is needed between these two independent clauses.

21. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. I’ll bring the plates, drinks, and cups and the sandwiches will be delivered.
2. The skit is suited for our team that is, it has enough parts for everyone.
3. Mayor Chavez was scheduled to speak however, he canceled at the last minute.

22. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. I’ll bring the plates, drinks, and cups and the sandwiches will be delivered. ;
Because the first independent clause has commas, this sentence would be confusing without the semicolon. A semicolon makes the sentence clear.

23. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. ;
2. The skit is suited for our team that is, it has enough parts for everyone.
A semicolon is used between independent clauses joined by transitional expressions such as that is.

24. Semicolons between independent clauses
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. ;
3. Mayor Chavez was scheduled to speak however, he canceled at the last minute.
A semicolon is used between independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs such as however.

25. Semicolons between independent clauses
On Your Own
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. Lara’s father is a successful poet in fact, he has published three books of poetry.
2. Denny, Scott, and Teresa went to the movies, and Heidi, Colleen, and I went to the park.
3. Grandma usually goes to Maine in the summer, however, last year she went in September.
4. Matty, this book is overdue, and you need to return it.
[End of Section]

26. Semicolons between independent clauses
Answers
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. Lara’s father is a successful poet in fact, he has published three books of poetry.
2. Denny, Scott, and Teresa went to the movies, and Heidi, Colleen, and I went to the park.
3. Grandma usually goes to Maine in the summer, however, last year she went in September.
4. Matty, this book is overdue, and you need to return it. ; ; ^ ; ^ C

27. Semicolons between items in a series
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
Three of the largest cities in the United States were New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois.

28. Semicolons between items in a series
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
It is a pleasure to introduce Mrs. Boyce, our mayor; Ms. Lincoln, the editor of Newport Daily News; and Mr. Quinn, our guest of honor.

29. Semicolons between items in a series
For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary.
1. My uncle will visit on Thursday, March 25, Friday, March 26, or Saturday, March 27.
2. I spend most of my time with Eric, my brother, Chris, my best friend, and Lenny, my cousin.
3. Would you prefer to live in San Francisco, California, Boise, Idaho, or Portland, Oregon?

30. Semicolons between items in a series
For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary.
1. My uncle will visit on Thursday, March 25 ; Friday, March 26 ; or Saturday, March 27.
Item #1: Thursday, March 25
Item #2: Friday, March 26
Item #3: Saturday, March 27
A semicolon is used between items in a series when the items contain commas.

31. Semicolons between items in a series
For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary.
2. I spend most of my time with Eric, my brother ; Chris, my best friend ; and Lenny, my cousin.
Item #1: Eric, my brother
Item #2: Chris, my best friend
Item #3: Lenny, my cousin
A semicolon is used between items in a series when the items contain commas.

32. Semicolons between items in a series
For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary.
3. Would you prefer to live in San Francisco, California ; Boise, Idaho ; or Portland, Oregon?
Item #1: San Francisco, California
Item #2: Boise, Idaho
Item #3: Portland, Oregon
A semicolon is used between items in a series when the items contain commas.

33. Semicolons between items in a series
On Your Own
Change commas to semicolons where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. The film club met on Monday, May 8, Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 23.
2. I bought my sister several gifts, including a book, a skirt, and a tennis racket.
3. Contact the following committee chairpersons: Anna Chen, fundraising, Ben Cohen, volunteer services, and Donna Massad, event planning.
[End of Section]

34. Semicolons between items in a series
Answers
Change commas to semicolons where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. The film club met on Monday, May 8, Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 23.
2. I bought my sister several gifts, including a book, a skirt, and a tennis racket.
3. Contact the following committee chairpersons: Anna Chen, fundraising, Ben Cohen, volunteer services, and Donna Massad, event planning. ; ; ^ ^ C ; ^ ; ^

35. Review A
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. The game began on time unfortunately, it was stopped because of rain.
2. Mr. Pope, a graphic designer, Mrs. Hill, an illustrator, and Ms. Chen, a writer, all helped with the project.
3. Our dog likes to hide things he once hid my gym uniform under my bed.
4. My grandparents will arrive on Tuesday, June 8, and the next day, if everyone is rested, we will leave for Florida.
[End of Section]

36. Review A
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. The game began on time unfortunately, it was stopped because of rain.
2. Mr. Pope, a graphic designer, Mrs. Hill, an illustrator, and Ms. Chen, a writer, all helped with the project.
3. Our dog likes to hide things he once hid my gym uniform under my bed.
4. My grandparents will arrive on Tuesday, June 8, and the next day, if everyone is rested, we will leave for Florida. ; ; ; ^ ^ ; ; ^

37. Review B
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. Rita s friends in Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and Lima, Peru.
2. The moon is rising over the mountains it is full and bright in the twilight.
3. Artists find inspiration in everyday life, for example, nature can be a rich source of ideas.
4. Kim, my cousin, and Gary, her friend, came by to see me, and Hank, my brother, fixed us all lunch.
[End of Section]

38. Review B
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. Rita s friends in Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and Lima, Peru.
2. The moon is rising over the mountains it is full and bright in the twilight.
3. Artists find inspiration in everyday life, for example, nature can be a rich source of ideas.
4. Kim, my cousin, and Gary, her friend, came by to see me, and Hank, my brother, fixed us all lunch. ; ; ^ ^ ; ; ^ ; ^

39. The End