The Semicolon

There are two most important uses of the semicolon.

1. to link two independent clauses which are closely related in meaning.

Examples:

  • Me and Monica went to the cinema on Friday; we had a great time.

Note that the clauses should not be linked by a co-ordinating conjunction. You can, however, use phrases such as:

  • however
  • besides
  • nevertheless
  • for instance
  • therefore
  • otherwise
  • furthermore
  • moreover
  • accordingly
  • that is

Examples:

  • He was caught red-handed while smoking in the school; therefore, he was expelled from the school the next day.

2. to seperate two independent clause which are very long and already contain commas.

Examples:

  • We met a variety of people in the town: powerful and proud knights on their horses; greedy merchants who, given a chance, tried to trick you; sly thieves, looking for an opportunity to steal your money.

Note: do not use a semicolon to join a dependent clause (or a phrase) with an independent clause.

  • This was a tough day; but we have earned a lot of money.

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