The Semicolon

The semicolon is arguably the most misused and misunderstood piece of punctuation. The simple rule for its use is that the semicolon joins two short sentences or independent clauses when the ideas in each sentence are closely related. In effect, the semicolon tells the reader that two ideas are so closely connected they are best understood by reading the sentences together. Semicolons can also be used in combination with linking words and transitional phrases that are used to create contrast and emphasis between joined sentences:

Use a semicolon to join conceptually related sentences

Modern warfare is more than three-dimensional; it is now multidimensional and must take into consideration integration of all of the means available.

Use a semicolon with certain transitional words and phrases to link sentences

Arguably, the true menace to Canadian sovereignty is not collaboration with the United States in defence of the continent; rather, it is an abstention from collaboration.

Never use a semicolon to introduce a list; that is the job of the colon. But the semicolon has a special function within a list of items. When one item in a list of phrases or clauses contains internal punctuation (a comma usually), then the list items are separated by a semicolon in order to avoid confusion.

The Security Council has taken an innovative approach in the last three years, citing three new norms of intervention: intervention for humanitarian reasons; jurisdiction of international criminal courts; and supervision of free elections or international design to promote social, political, and economic reconstruction within a country.

Semicolons can also be used to link whole clauses together, especially when the clauses are lengthy or have internal punctuation.

Following an ethical code for military forces of a liberal democracy, first, the soldier serves the interests of his or her country; second, the soldier executes the lawful orders of his or her superiors, except where these would conflict with the interest of his or her country; and third, the soldier safeguards the welfare of his or her subordinates, except where it is necessary to hazard their interests in executing orders or in serving the interests of his or her country.

Used sparingly, the semicolon can make your writing style more economical and more sophisticated.

Practice Exercises (12 questions)