How to Use a Semicolon teaches you the right way to use punctuation that many native and non-native English speakers really don’t understand. How to Use a Semicolon is related to How to Use a Colon, providing you with the knowledge to now use both confidently.
The main job of a semicolon is to join two independent parts (clauses) that are related into one sentence. Independent clauses can be theirown sentence by themselves, but the semicolon can make one sentence.
Notice that you do not capitalize after the semicolon.
You can think of a semicolon like a conjunction(and, but, or) – Jack is funny, and Susie loves jokes.
Now comes the really important information. While colons must be used in some cases, younever really need to use a semicolon. You can just make 2 sentences or use a conjunction. In our example above, I could have written
So why did I write about it? I have had LOTS of students ask me about it; they are very curious! (See my semi-colon there? It joins two parts that are related.)
I don't use semicolons too often. The semicolon really just adds a little bit more power than a comma. Also, if you use it right, it can make you look like you know English well. Whether or not you use it is up to you!