Before we master semicolons, we need to understand independent clauses.
Definition
An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It must have two things:
A Subject (who or what the sentence is about).
A Verb (the action or state of being).
And it must express a complete thought.
Example 1: "Steve loved reading." (Subject: Steve | Verb: loved) - Complete thought!
Example 2: "Because he was tired." (Subject: he | Verb: was) - Not a complete thought. This is a dependent clause.
Why does this matter? Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related to each other!
Understanding the Rules
An author's use of punctuation not only helps readers understand the message but also helps create meaning and tone.
"I realize that most of you think the function of the semi-colon is to make a winking smiley face when texting... ;-)"
Click to Reveal: Uses of Colons :
"I was fixated on one thing: food."
"But Mrs. Levin was insistent: 'If it's okay, I would like to give him these myself.'"
"I knew the stride pattern of each member of the family: Betty shuffled, Reggie had longer steps, and Willie's plodding was the easiest to detect..."
Click to Reveal: Uses of Semicolons ;
"For Hazel and his followers, it was never a question of if they would find a home; it was simply a matter of when."
(Notice how both sides of the semicolon can stand alone as complete sentences!)
Practice and Apply: Choose the Punctuation
Read the sentences below. Decide whether the missing punctuation should be a colon (:) or a semicolon (;).
I need to buy a few things at the store ? milk, bread, and cheese.
A colon is used here to introduce a list of items.
She didn't just like the movie ? she absolutely loved it.
A semicolon is used here to connect two related independent clauses. Both sides could be their own sentence!
The coach shouted his favorite phrase ? "Never give up!"
A colon is used here to introduce a quotation.
There is one thing you must remember ? always be kind.
A colon is used here to illustrate or provide an example of what was just stated (the "one thing").
The storm was howling outside ? we felt safe inside the sturdy cabin.
A semicolon connects these two independent clauses. ("The storm was howling outside" and "we felt safe inside the sturdy cabin" are both complete thoughts).
Please bring the following items to the exam ? two pencils, an eraser, and a calculator.
A colon correctly introduces a list. The part before the colon is an independent clause.
Steve finally found a safe place to read ? the basement.
A colon is used to illustrate or clarify what was just stated (the "safe place"). A semicolon would be wrong because "the basement" is not an independent clause.
Challenge Question
Steve's deceptions were justified given his living conditions ? nevertheless, lying is a difficult habit to break.
A semicolon is used here before the conjunctive adverb ("nevertheless") that links two independent clauses.
