The Basics
Semicolons may seem like the intimidating cousin of the comma, but they solve clarity issues that commas and periods cannot. Semicolons can be used in lists or between sentences; they can designate separations and indicate connections.
Give Pause
The "weight" of a semicolon is stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period. This means the pause you give a semicolon is longer than a comma, but shorter than a period.
Short pause: I enjoy most films, but horror movies scare me.
Medium pause: I enjoy most films; horror movies scare me.
Long pause: I enjoy most films. Horror movies scare me.
Three Uses of Semicolons
You can use a semicolon in three ways. First, they may be used to show a connection between two independent clauses. You may also use them to separate phrases. Lastly, they can be used to designate items in a list.
Independent Clauses
Independent clause; independent clause
Semicolons can be used in place of a period to demonstrate that two independent clauses (complete sentences) are separate, but related. To do this, simply replace the period with the semicolon. Do not capitalize the first word of the next sentence unless it's an "I," a proper noun, or otherwise formally capitalized.
Examples:
The days are getting shorter; winter is coming.
Patrick likes ketchup with his fries; I like ranch dressing with mine.
Barringer Street has three cafes; Granita Street has two.
I slipped on a banana peel; the doctor said my arm will be fine in three weeks.
Most people like dogs; however, some people are afraid of dogs.
Most people like cats; in fact, cats are one of the most popular pets.
Separating Phrases
Phrase; phrase
A sentence that has too many commas may be confusing—even if it's grammatically correct. Semicolons can help avoid confusion. When phrases contain additional punctuation marks, like multiple commas, you can use semicolons to separate them.
Examples:
I really like green, yellow, and red apples; bananas; and oranges.
Patrick said his dad taught him the basics of car maintenance, like checking the oil, wiper fluid, and brake fluid; monitoring the dash indicators; and testing the tire pressure.
Semicolons in Lists
List item; list item; list item