Do you know what semicolon grammar is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on a semicolon, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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Kevin
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December 4, 2021
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What is a semicolon?
According to Your Dictionary, the semicolon is a punctuation mark like a comma, full stop, quotation marks, and more that are used to create a pause between clauses. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses, or two clauses that could each stand alone as a complete sentence. When you use semicolons, the first independent clause will begin with a capital letter while the second independent clause will begin with a lowercase letter unless it is a proper noun. The two independent clauses do not need to be connected with conjunctive adverbs, transitional phrases or a coordinating conjunction, but should be related ideas. Use semicolons to avoid the common mistake of a comma splice.
A semicolon can be used for a number of reasons in academic writing like essays or in creative writing. It signifies a longer pause than a comma.
What are examples of semicolons?
Semicolons can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or grammatical technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are a couple of examples of semicolons that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. Take a look at these semicolon examples from Your Dictionary, Grammarly and Soft Schools and see how many you can identify the semicolon in!
- Martha has gone to the library; Andrew has gone to play soccer.
- I will be there as soon as I finish working; that is a promise I will definitely keep.
- She had self-defense training; consequently, she warded off the assailant.
- The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed.
- Mom wants the chores completed; moreover, she wants them done properly.
- This is a Remington typewriter; all the keys are intact.
- I had a huge meal; however, I am already hungry again.
- I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life’s too short for counting calories.
- She didn’t see the other car coming; now her car has a huge dent.
- I always try to pack light for vacation; however, I always seem to need an extra bag for all of my shoes and books.
- If you bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel; we can go to the beach.
- I like bacon, eggs, and cheese; but not all together on a sandwich.
- You can order a sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese; ham, egg, tomato, and cheese; or tomato, lettuce, and avocado.
- I have lived in Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; and Tallahassee, FL.
- Star Trek was my favorite television show during the 1960s; in fact, it is my favorite television show of all time.
- You need new brakes; otherwise, you may not be able to stop in time.
- She moved to Ireland; she preferred the tranquil setting over America.
- It was raining; the game was cancelled.
- I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; Rome, Italy; Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Perth, Scotland; Boston, Massachusetts.
- I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.
- Jamie calls it the bathroom; I call it the loo.
- Please pack my anthologies on short stories, poetry, and Shakespearean plays; my biographies on Jackie Kennedy, Charles Stuart, and Queen Elizabeth; and my historical romance novels by Nora Roberts, Jude Devereux, and Diana Gabaldon.
- The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it was early in the evening.
- We had too many fumbles; we lost the game.
- Marie made a 100 on the quiz; Lois made a 95.
- I saw a magnificent albatross; it was eating a mouse.
- I know you don’t like broccoli; nevertheless, it is very good for you.
- There is mounting evidence of global warming; of course, some people will never believe it.
- Michelle drives a Jaguar; Sonya drives a Porsche.
- You should stop eating so much food; you will have to go on a diet.
- Let’s go to the library; there are 15 different books I’d like to take out.
- This is part of the same rule; the conjunction in question is “but” instead of “and.”
- Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not.
- My plan included taking him to a nice—though not necessarily expensive—dinner; going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year; and serenading him with my accordion.
- We can go to the museum to do some research; Mondays are pretty quiet there.
- I’m not all that fond of the colors of tiger lilies; moreover, they don’t smell very good.
- I have finished the main course; now I have to make dessert.
- I love Outlander; “Both Sides Now” is my favorite episode.
- Reports of the damage caused by the hurricane were greatly exaggerated; indeed, the storm was not a “hurricane” at all.
- The address for the letter is PO Box 37; Martin, NY 30065.
- The groups of siblings who will be coming to camp include John and Anne; Jeff, Lisa, and Tommy; and Mark and Jonas.
- Anna forgot her pencil; she had to use a pen to write her Shakespeare notes instead.
- The grandmother bought sugar, butter and flour; she was baking cookies to send off her granddaughter to New Zealand at the airport – the two of them had a close relationship.
- Let’s go to Woof Gang Bakery; they sell the yummiest dog treats.
- Money is the root of all evil; I don’t believe the reverse is necessarily true.
- Dad is going bald; his hair is getting thinner and thinner.
- As far as travel through the United States, I’ve visited Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California.
Overall, in English grammar a semicolon is a form of internal punctuation; the common use of the semicolon is to attach two related independent clauses.
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