Semicolon

Understanding how the semi-colon works will do you well in the writing portion of the HSGQE. Correctly placed semicolons impress readers and demonstrate a grasp of the written language that will be rewarded with higher test scores. The wonderful thing about semicolons is that they are relatively easy to learn.

Here are the 4 rules you should memorize:

1. Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are too closely related to be written as separate sentences.

It is with narrow-souled people as with narrow-necked bottles; the less they have in them, the more noise they make in pouring out. Alexender Pope

2. Use a semicolon to separate a series of phrases that already contain commas.

The meeting was attended by Lloyd Harrison, chairman of the board; Evelyn White, chief delegate of the consumer groups; William Blake, representing the press; and Preston Tracy, speaking for the shareholders.

3. Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are long or contain commas.

Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark; you know what you are doing, but nobody else does. S. Britt

4. Use a semicolon preceding explanatory phrases introduced by words such as for example, that is, or namely when you want a stronger break than a comma would provide.

Secretaries have many unpopular assignments; for example, making coffee.

Go to The Guide to Grammar and Writing section on Semicolons.

Return back to Grammar Rules page.