English Grammar & Punctuation : How to Use a Semicolon

A semicolon is used to give the reader a better idea of what they are talking about. Use semicolons to give reason for pause or to write lists with help from a certified tutor in this free video on punctuation in the English language.

Expert: Paige Carrera
Bio: Paige Carrera is a certified tutor for both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• English
• grammar
• punctuation
• apostrophes
• quotation marks
• adverbs
• nouns
• adjectives
• verbs
• parts of speech
• language
• linguistics

[boobtuber06]

I have never used semicolons; there is a chance I never will.

[brickyards]

@hadez30 You would use a semicolon in a list when the items have punctuation within the list. She traveled to Miami, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Los Angeles, California. She should really explain it better.

[kwanbhan]

To call an independent clause an independent phrase is not correct I think, for phrase does not have both subject and verb in those groups of word, but a clause does. I do like your videos very much because I can practice listening to speedy talk. Thank you very much for sharing these wonderful and informative videos.

[putthisonmytab]

I only use a semicolon when I wink. ;) haha

[KingDice12]

@cutyvill Its a SUPER comma; there's really no need for a semicolon, though. I do, however, find it useful in my thesis statement. ^_^ 

[cutyvill]

I'm trying to use a semicolon in my essay and our teacher wants us to use it instead of commas.

I'm confused now isn't it different than commas or are they similar?

[hadez30]

There's something I don't understand. When you're listing things, aren't commas usually used? How do you know semicolons should be used when listing?

[caseyjz1]

You can also use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction IF the clauses on both sides are complex and already have bunches of commas in them.

[matty1258]

is it different in uk english?

[OHMYGODINEVERSAWTHAT]

Thank you, now i know how to use it; i subscribed to you also.