104 English Grammar Demystifi ed
Semicolon
Ben Jonson (1572–1637), the English playwright, poet, and competitor to William
Shakespeare, was the fi rst notable writer from England to use the semicolon sys-
tematically. The semicolon is a strong mark of punctuation—stronger than the
comma, but weaker than the period. The semicolon can be used to bring together
complete thoughts that are closely related. The relationship between the two thoughts
must be so clear that the reader immediately understands why the sentences are
linked.
HOW TO USE A SEMICOLON
- Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses not joined by
a coordinating conjunction.
We’ve had extremely cold and wet weather this spring; my annual
fl owers are a month behind in growth.
The new position makes weekend work mandatory; no one applied
for the job. - Use a semicolon to connect independent clauses linked with a conjunctive
adverb.
I can’t fi nish preparing the feast in one day; indeed, I may not be
done in three days.
I won’t be able to take any time off; however, that doesn’t mean you
can’t. - The semicolon is also used to connect other elements of equal weight.
For example, use a semicolon between items in a series when the series
contains internal punctuation.
My territory includes Detroit, Michigan; San Jose, California; and
Jacksonville, Florida.
Among the conferees were John Litton, president of the Sun Awning
Corporation; Leslie Martin, president of Paragon Computer; and
Sue Daley, CEO of Environmental Sciences. - For clarity, use a semicolon to separate independent clauses that are joined
by coordinating conjunctions when the clauses have internal punctuation
that might lead to confusion.