For years I have avoided using a semicolon, for fear I would do it wrong. It was almost the same with a colon, except that I knew it was useful for setting off a long list.
When I looked up the use of the semicolon I was surprised how simple the rules are for when to use it.
I thought I would share with you what I’ve learned.
One job of a semicolon is to link clauses that could stand alone as sentences, and that have a close relationship. The linking should be more effective than leaving them as separate sentences.
Here is an example:
The old man fell asleep whenever he began reading the book; the novel was obviously boring.
Why not use two sentences? Although each sentence could stand alone, they are closely related, and the point is better made by using the semicolon. Joining them with “and” would water down the effect.
Another job of a semicolon is for lists in text, or often in footnotes, where a dividing mark stronger than a comma is needed. Often we find this use of a semicolon in non-fiction writing to separate references.
Here is an example:
Attalos’ commands: with Alketas, Arr.4.27.5; with Koinos, Arr. 4.24.1; Meleagros, Arr. 4.16.1; 5.12.1; 6.17.3; Krateros, Arr. 4.16.1.
Notice that at the beginning of the list, after Attalos’ commands, we have a colon. This marks the beginning of a list, so we have a use for the colon in this sentence as well.
The colon is often used to separate a general statement from one or more items that support it. These explanations need not be complete sentences, but could be more like a list.
Here is an example:
I won’t be going to the party for two reasons: I have nothing nice to wear, and I haven’t been invited.
Other kinds of lists can also follow a colon.
My grocery list had several things on it: milk, eggs, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
After you learn the use of semicolons and colons, and after my shopping is done, I could make pancakes for you.
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