Usage of semicolon is mandatory to display your writing skills. Punctuation skills are very important if you want to be a successful writer, author, blogger or a proof reader and semicolon is one of the basic punctuation skills you need to master. It is also an important skill for a transcriber. So learning punctuation skills is must if you have a career in any of the above mentioned fields. If you start using proper punctuation in your sentences, you’ll make great advances in your essays and writing assignment. You can be in the good books of your employers, clients, boss and peers. Most importantly you will be treated as an intelligent, educated and smart individual. Lets learn in details with examples when we use it, how we use it and why we use it ?
A period above a comma is known as semicolon. A period divides ideas and sentences whereas semicolon connects ideas, thoughts and sentences. Lets understand with examples. Both sides before and after semicolon have to be complete sentence by themselves i.e. they are independent clause. Semicolon joins two independent clause that are slightly related to each other. As we know independent clause stands on its own but you can only add a semicolon within two independent clauses if the sentences are very closely related but at the same time stand independently if separated by a period in between them.
Semicolons are used to connect two independent clause
- It is cold outside. You must wear a sweater.
- It is cold outside; you must wear a sweater.
Second sentence is connected to the first sentence by a link that is semicolon. The two ideas connect with each other in some way. More examples are as follows.
- I’m feeling sick; I can’t go to office.
- I’m busy at work; I can’t go for lunch.
Do not capitalize words after semicolon
Words following semicolons should not be capitalized unless it is a proper noun or first person singular pronoun(I).
INCORRECT – I am having food in the canteen; You are in the training classroom.
CORRECT- I am having food in the canteen; you are in the training classroom.
Semicolon connects two sentences which are linked by transitional phrases
Examples of the transition phrases: however, thus, still, in addition, also, consequently, nevertheless, therefore etc.
- He wants to play football; therefore he bought a new pair of shoes.
- The shopkeeper wants to sell cookies; in addition he would like to sell pastries.
- Oliver got highest score in class; however he got low marks in English.
- Timothy is having high fever; still he is going to work to support his family.
Makes a cogent statement to the reader or to make a conclusion
Semicolon in some cases gives an opinionated statement to the reader and is an indirect way to persuade them to entitle with the opinion.
E.g- The archaeologist found an old manuscript; it must be a thousand years old.
Eliminates confusion when defining a list
E.g – Three friends attended the meeting: Elise, the head of IT department; Samantha, the head of finance; and Paula, the head of marketing department.
The above example consists of colon and semicolon. We use colon to give a list but the semicolon helps you identify each entity within a list as they are closely connected to each other.
It gives style and variation in sentence usage
Semicolons are used to put style and variation in sentences. A good writer often uses semicolon to show his/mastery over the language and you might see them often use semicolon in their writing. An example is given below.
Jessica serves the underprivileged all day long; she studies till midnight.
When not to use semicolons
Not used when connecting complete sentences with coordinating conjunctions
We will not use semicolon when connecting with coordinating conjunctions ( also known as FANBOYS) – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
INCORRECT- I like playing video games; but I also want to complete homework.
CORRECT – I like playing video games but I also want to complete homework.
Dependent clause appears before independent clause
Never use semicolon a dependent clause appears before an independent clause and you are connecting them.
INCORRECT- Although he started off early; he arrived late.
CORRECT – Although he started off early, he arrived late.
Connecting two incomplete sentences
We don’t use semicolon in such scenarios but we use comma to connect those two sentences.
INCORRECT – I always like to have an ice cream and chocolate at night; even thought I have gained lot of weight.
CORRECT – I always like to have an ice cream and chocolate at night, even thought I have gained lot of weight.
Use colon to define a list of items
Don’t use a semicolon when you are defining a list of items in a sentence. For e-g. I am going to the market to bring the following items: egg, milk, jam and bread.
Conclusion
Don’t use semicolon frequently. Semicolons are precious elements of writing. You should use less and must use only when you are writing a long essay or article. Using too much semicolon reduces the writing quality.
