Punctuation Rules: When to Use a Semi-Colon

Introduction

Semi-colons can be used to connect two independent clauses. For example,

I enjoyed the movie; it is one my favourites.

A simple way to think of when to use a semi-colon is that one can be used in place of a period between two sentences when these sentences are closely related.

Note that a capital letter is not used immediately after a colon (unless, of course it is for a proper noun)

Beware of using a comma instead of a semi-colon or instead off a period.

Other Places to Use Semi-Colons

Other examples of when to use a semi-colon include:

For contrast

Flora was awarded eight prizes; Jennifer did not get anything.

Instead of a conjunction for emphasis

The friends gathered for a house party which was the last time they ever got together.

The friends gathered for a house party; it was the last time they ever got together.

For lists of phrases with commas

David absolutely loved Paris and had visited Paris, France; Paris, Texas; and Paris, Ontario.