semicolon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “semicolon” mean?
A punctuation mark (.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A punctuation mark (;) used to link independent clauses that are closely related, often in place of a conjunction.
In typography and programming, a symbol used to separate elements in lists or statements. In literature, a symbol of a specific rhetorical pause, stronger than a comma but weaker than a period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant grammatical or usage differences. Spelling is consistent. Slight regional variations in terminology in computer programming (e.g., 'statement terminator' vs. 'line separator').
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of formality and complex sentence structure.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British academic and literary prose, though the difference is marginal. Both varieties use it less frequently than the comma or period.
Grammar
How to Use “semicolon” in a Sentence
[Subject] uses a semicolon [to link clauses].A semicolon [separates] [list items].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “semicolon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You can't simply 'semicolon' two unrelated thoughts together.
- He tends to oversemicolon his prose.
American English
- Don't try to semicolon those clauses; use a period.
- Her writing is heavily semicoloned.
adverb
British English
- The clauses were linked semicolonally.
- He wrote semicolonically.
American English
- The list was separated semicolon-wise.
- She paused semicolonically in her speech.
adjective
British English
- He wrote a semicolon-laden paragraph.
- The semicolon usage was impeccable.
American English
- It was a very semicolon-heavy style.
- She made a semicolon-related error.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal reports and proposals to create clear, compound sentences.
Academic
Frequent in journal articles and dissertations to connect related independent clauses and manage complex lists.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech and informal writing like texts or social media.
Technical
Essential in programming languages like C, Java, and Python (with different functions) to terminate statements or separate list items.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “semicolon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “semicolon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “semicolon”
- Using a semicolon before a dependent clause (e.g., 'I went home; which was a relief.').
- Using a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., 'I was tired; but I went out.').
- Capitalizing the word after a semicolon unless it's a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses (complete sentences) that are closely related in thought, without using a conjunction like 'and' or 'but'.
Yes, this is a common and correct use. A semicolon is used before conjunctive adverbs like 'however', 'therefore', 'moreover', and 'consequently' when they link two independent clauses.
No, but its use is declining in informal digital communication. It remains standard and important in formal, academic, technical, and literary writing.
A colon (:) typically introduces something: a list, a quotation, or an explanation. A semicolon (;) links two equally important and related independent clauses.
A punctuation mark (.
Semicolon is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Semicolon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsemiˈkəʊlən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsemikoʊlən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a semicolon, not a full stop.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a semicolon as a "soft period" or a "strong comma"; it's a bridge between two complete thoughts.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE between ideas; a PAUSE for breath in a long thought.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the semicolon used correctly?