The semicolon (;) is stronger than a comma but softer than a period. Once you know its two main jobs, it's easy to use well.

Use a semicolon between two independent clauses (each could stand alone as a sentence) that are closely related.

  • I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
  • The app is free; Pro unlocks unlimited checks.

Both sides must be complete sentences. If one side can't stand alone, use a comma or rewrite.

Because it was raining; we stayed inside. → Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

Rule 1b: Before words like "however" and "therefore" #

When you join two sentences with a transition word such as however, therefore, moreover, or otherwise, put a semicolon before it and a comma after it.

  • I wanted to come; however, I was sick.
  • The deadline moved; therefore, we have more time.

Rule 2: Separate items in a complicated list #

If list items already contain commas, use semicolons to keep them clear.

  • We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Tokyo, Japan.

Semicolon vs. colon #

  • A semicolon links two equal, complete sentences.
  • A colon (:) introduces something: a list, an explanation, or an example.

I need three things: coffee, time, and quiet.

Don't use a semicolon #

  • before a list (use a colon),
  • after a greeting (Dear Anna, not Dear Anna;), or
  • between a sentence and a fragment.

Let AI place your punctuation #

AI Grammar Checker reviews your punctuation along with your grammar, and puts commas, semicolons, and periods where they belong.