Semicolon Do's and Don'ts
DO use a semicolon- To link two sentences that are closely related in meaning. (Note: A period is also
correct in this situation. You do not have to use a semicolon.)
I am very glad I applied to Lincoln; it is a wonderful university.
Our director has decided that we need to downsize to save money; this is just what I have been fearing.
- To separate items in a series clearly when the items themselves contain commas
Next semester I will be taking courses in systems, the study of how people and organizations interact; developmental psychology, the phases humans move through as they age; and ethics, a comparison of the ways various ethnic groups and religions define right and wrong.
DO NOT use a semicolonIf you only used commas to separate those items, the readers could think that "systems" was one course and "the study of how people and organizations interact" was a different course. With the semicolon, it's clear where each list item ends.
- To separate an independent clause ( a sentence) from a dependent clause (a part of a sentence)
Incorrect: Miguel has promised he would help with the report; although he isn't sure if he could meet with us today.
Correct: Miguel has promised he would help with the report, although he isn't sure if he could meet with us today.
- To introduce a series, list or quotation
Incorrect: Please make sure you bring the following to the meeting; a copy of the agenda, your up-to-date client notes, and a list of the problems/questions you have compiled.
Correct: Please make sure you bring the following to the meeting: a copy of the agenda, your up-to-date client notes, and a list of the problems/questions you have compiled.
Incorrect: As Freud has so frequently said; "If it's not one thing, it's your mother.
Correct: As Freud has so frequently said, "If it's not one thing, it's your mother.
- Anywhere where a comma would be correct. Commas and semicolons are NOT interchangeable! Using a semicolon where a comma should go produces a sentence fragment.
Incorrect: I finally finished studying for the test; and I am now going to turn on the TV and relax.
Correct: I finally finished studying for the test, and I am now going to turn on the TV and relax.