Try a semicolon!
Semicolons are a type of punctuation that join related ideas within one sentence. Semicolons can be used to:
The professor assigned a paper; I wrote it after class.
| The professor assigned a paper | I wrote it after class |
| Independent clause 1 | Independent clause 2 |
| Subject (professor) + Verb (assigned) | Subject (I) + Verb (wrote) |
Using a semicolon connects these two related ideas in one sentence. A semicolon is a good option when linking two shorter independent clauses to avoid choppy sentences.
Semicolons can also connect two related ideas with a transition word (however, therefore, moreover, etc.)
I do not like waking up early; however, I set my alarm for 6 a.m. to get to school on time.
Semicolons separate items in a complicated list
I would like to visit Albany, New York; Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; and San Francisco, California.
Using semicolons, rather than all commas, helps to show the pairs of cities and states.
While semicolons are useful tools, avoid these errors:
Do not use a semicolon if the independent clauses are not related.
The professor assigned a paper; I work at a restaurant.
Use a colon, rather than a semicolon, to introduce a list of items.
The article contains four sections: abstract, literature review, argument, and discussion.
Source consulted: Upswing Writing Lab
Guide created by: C. Jones 3/15/2021
Revised by: B. McCoid 1/22/2024
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