The semicolon is used to connect two closely related ideas. Semicolons provide a stronger connection between ideas than periods and commas. There are three main ways a semicolon is used.  

Connecting two complete sentences  

Semicolons can connect two complete sentences that are closely related.  

Examples:  

• I went to the campus bookstore; the security guard told me it had just closed.  

• My roommate went to the market for me; he forgot to get the milk.  

Conjunctive adverbs  

Semicolons can be used with a conjunctive adverb to explain the relationship between two complete sentences that are closely related. (Conjunctive adverbs include: however, therefore, in addition, moreover, subsequently, consequently, instead, and additionally)  

Examples:  

• There was black mold found in the press box of Husky Stadium; consequently, university contractors are trying to eliminate the health and safety risk.  

• The Psychology professor wants to create a comprehensive analysis of the study habits of residence students; therefore, she will create and distribute an optional survey to every student living on campus.  

Lists with additional punctuation  

Semicolons can be used instead of a comma in a sentence where other types of punctuation are already being used. This is useful to differentiate items in a list.  

Example:  

• In the garage, there are eight 4-cylinder engines, all working; three 6-cylinder engines, of which only two work; and two 8-cylinder engines, none of which work.  

• The society’s executive council is composed of James Gowanlock, President; Courtney Purcell, Vice President; Adam Fournier, Secretary; William Novak, Treasurer; and Mariah Connor, Events Coordinator.   

Practice: Semicolons  

Correct the punctuation and insert semicolons where they are needed.  

1. Matthew wants to find out whether students prefer Tim Horton’s or Just Us!. Therefore, he is gathering data to find out.  

2. On eBay you can buy Tess of the d'Urbervilles, first edition, Jane Eyre, second edition, and Frankenstein, third edition.  

3. The beach is a perfect place to watch the sunset you can see the sun sink into the waves.  

4. To make for a better experience in the cafeteria the school is allowing students to vote for what food they want in addition they are expanding their gluten free menu.  

5. I forgot my umbrella this morning. When I got to school I was soaked.  

6. In this essay you were supposed to answer the questions “What the main plot?”, “What characters were involved?”, and “What narrative devices are used in the work?”  

7. I would enjoy going to the beach, however, I already have plans for this weekend.  

8. We checked the price of flying to Montreal, the train is much cheaper.  

9. This film has few redeeming qualities, in short, watching it was a waste of my time and money.  

10. This gentleman starts school in September, he will be five years old by then.  

Answers: 

1. Matthew wants to find out whether students prefer Tim Horton’s or Just Us!; therefore, he is gathering data to find out. 

2. On eBay you can buy Tess of the d'Urbervilles, first edition; Jane Eyre, second edition; and Frankenstein, third edition. 

3. The beach is a perfect place to watch the sunset; you can see the sun sink into the waves.  

4. To make for a better experience in the cafeteria the school is allowing students to vote for what food they want; in addition they are expanding their gluten free menu.  

5. I forgot my umbrella this morning; when I got to school I was soaked. 

6. In this essay you were supposed to answer the questions “What the main plot?”; “What characters were involved?”; and “What narrative devices are used in the work?” 

7. I would enjoy going to the beach; however, I already have plans for this weekend. 

8. We checked the price of flying to Montreal; the train is much cheaper.  

9. This film has few redeeming qualities; in short, watching it was a waste of my time and money.  

10. This gentleman starts school in September; he will be five years old by then.