How do I use semicolons?

Semicolons are used only between two complete sentences to indicate the end of one sentence and the beginning of a new sentence. Semicolons connect related ideas.

Example: Jefferson (2013) considered APA to be difficult; Chesterton (2012) disagreed.

     Tip: To test whether a semicolon can be used between two sentences, see if a period would also work. If not, a semicolon is

     not appropriate. Semicolons and periods are grammatically interchangeable. 

Semicolons can also be used to separate elements of a list that already have embedded commas.

Example: The group traveled to Istanbul, Turkey; Seoul, South Korea; and Lima, Peru.

Additional Resources:

• For more details on semicolons, see the Writing Center's web resources.

Further Questions?

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