The Semi-Colon (;)

Used to form a compound sentence by linking two independent clauses. The two clauses must have a logical relation to one another. The semi-colon is often followed by an adverbial:

  • Ryan was terrified of dogs; he had a traumatic experience with one when he was a child.
  • Terry volunteers at a homeless shelter; Peter dedicates his free time to animal rescue.
  • I wanted to step in to help the man; however, I was too terrified to move.

To separate items in a potentially confusing list that already contains several commas. Adding semi-colons makes the list easier to read and less confusing.

  • Students in the competition came from Vancouver, British Columbia; Toronto, Ontario; Fredericton, New Brunswick; and Brandon, Manitoba.
  • In attendance at the meeting were Wendy McKee, president; Vince Sullivan, vice-president; Tony Street, secretary; and Linda Hunt, public relations.

Review - Semicolon

Shaun explains the uses of semicolons.

Review - Semicolon

Shaun explains the uses of semicolons.


The Colon (:)


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