Semicolon Lesson: How to Use Semicolons with Confidence
Semicolons
A semicolon (;) is used to connect two closely related independent clauses.
Example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.
Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, consequently, etc.) when it connects two independent clauses.
Example: She didn’t see the step; therefore, she tripped.
Use semicolons to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.
Example: On our trip, we visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.
Do not use semicolons in place of commas for simple lists.
Practice Together
Combine the following sentences using semicolons where appropriate:
I love reading books. I don’t have much free time.
The storm was fierce. The trees swayed dangerously in the wind.
I packed for the trip: Toronto, Ontario; New York, New York; and Boston, Massachusetts.
The teacher was strict. However, she was also very fair.
We stayed up late. We still made it to class on time.
Answers for Practice Together
I love reading books; I don’t have much free time.
The storm was fierce; the trees swayed dangerously in the wind.
I packed for the trip: Toronto, Ontario; New York, New York; and Boston, Massachusetts.
The teacher was strict; however, she was also very fair.
We stayed up late; we still made it to class on time.
Practice Alone (Worksheet)
Students can complete this section independently.
Student Worksheet
Teacher Answer Key
Conclusion
Semicolons may seem small, but they bring sophistication and clarity to writing. By connecting closely related ideas and helping organize complex lists, semicolons show relationships between thoughts that simple punctuation can’t capture. With practice, students learn not just when to use semicolons, but why—strengthening sentence fluency and elevating the overall quality of their writing.
