B2nounlanguageacademic
US/ˈsem.iˌkoʊ.lən/
UK/ˈsem.iˌkəʊ.lɒn/
the punctuation mark (;) used to join two related parts of a sentence or separate items in a list
In context
You can use a semicolon to join two sentences that are closely connected.
She put a semicolon after "tired" and then explained why she stayed up late.
Many writers avoid the semicolon because they are not sure when it is correct.
Words that go with semicolon
verb + noun
- use a semicolonUse a semicolon instead of a period here.
- put a semicolonPut a semicolon between the two clauses.
- replace a comma with a semicolonReplace the comma with a semicolon to avoid a comma splice.
noun + preposition
- a semicolon beforeThere should be a semicolon before "however" in this sentence.
- a semicolon in a listUse a semicolon in a list when the items already contain commas.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I was tired, so I went home; because it was late.Correct: I was tired, so I went home because it was late.