Semi-Colons

One Way to Use Them: The same as a period, taking its place

  • Separates TWO INDEPENDENT, COMPLETE SENTENCES

  • NOT the same as a comma, used as a period

Eg. Today was awesome I learned a lot in class

Eg. Today was awesome, I learned a lot in class 

Eg. Today was awesome; I learned a lot in class

Note: If you have the word “however” you most likely need to replace it with a semi-colon


Eg. Both rap and country music lyrics often outline violent practices or dangerous topics however, studies show that rap music is still perceived as more violent

Semi-Colons w -ing Words are WRONG

Eg. Kendrick Lamar won the Plutzer Prize in music in 2018 for his album DAMN; Making him the first rapper to ever recieve this prestigious award.

Eg. Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize in music in 2018 for his album DAMN, making him the first rapper to ever receive this prestigious award

NO Semi-Colons before “which” is WRONG

Eg. Professors often overly emphasize grammar without teaching it clearly; which drives me crazy

Eg. Professors often overly emphasize grammar without teaching it clearly, which drives me crazy

Why do you use a semi-colon instead of a period?

  • Continues a similar line in content, that is closely linked

  • If it doesn’t make sense to you, DO NOT USE IT, just use a period

  • There is no instance where you HAVE to use a semi-colon