Spark34 Semicolon Guide

The rules below are based on the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).  Please note that there are slight variations and preferences when using other style guides.

Independent Clauses

When a sentence contains two independent clauses, you can join them with a comma and coordinating conjunction (see Comma Guide), or you can use a semicolon in one of the three manners below.

No Connecting Word or Phrase

  • The girl was wearing a blue evening gown; her date was wearing a matching blue shirt.

Conjunctive adverb:
However, therefore, besides, nevertheless, and the like

  • The girl was wearing a blue evening gown; thus, her date was wearing a matching blue shirt.

Transitional Phrase:
For example, for instance, as a matter of fact, in other words, and similar phrases

  • The girl was wearing a blue evening gown; in addition, her date was wearing a matching blue shirt.

Between items in a series

When items in a series contain internal punctuation, a writer may use semicolons to separate the items for clarity.

  • The dates of the horse shows were November 1, 2020; January 5, 2021; and May 15, 2021.

Remember, you cannot use a semicolon to connect two grammatically unequal parts of a sentence.