PUNCTUATION RULES COMMAS SEMICOLONS

Semicolons

It's no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Like commas,

semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a
period's full stop.

Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake
of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see the "Colons" section).

Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her.

Correct: I have one goal: to find her.

Rule 1a. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap
between two closely linked sentences.

Examples:
Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.
We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract.

Rule 1b. Avoid a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent
clause.

Incorrect: Although they tried; they failed.

Correct: Although they tried, they failed.

Rule 2. Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however,
therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a
complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and
terms.
 Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short
supply.

Rule 3. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units
contain commas.

Incorrect: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho,
Springfield, California, Alamo, Tennessee, and other places as well.

Note that with only commas, that sentence is hopeless.

Correct: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho;
Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well. (Note the
final semicolon, rather than a comma, after Tennessee.)

Rule 4. A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a

connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the
first clause.

Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a
promise I will keep.

Rule 5. Do not capitalize ordinary words after a semicolon.

Incorrect: I am here; You are over there.

Correct: I am here; you are over there.
Semicolons and Colons Quiz 1
1. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

A) You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.

B) You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.

C) You asked for: forgiveness. He granted it to you.

D) You asked for forgiveness he granted it to you.

2.

A) We ask; therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.

B) We ask, therefore; that you keep this matter confidential.

C) We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.

D) We ask: therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.

3.

A The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by
)
 B The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore. I expected the shipment to arrive by
)

CThe order was requested: six weeks ago, therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive b
)

DThe order was requested six weeks ago: therefore, I expected the shipment, to arrive b
)

4.

A) The American flag has three colors; red, white, and blue.

B) The American flag has three colors: Red, white, and blue.

C) The American flag has: three colors. Red, white, and blue.

D) The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.

5.

A) She said she loved the book; so, I gave it to her.

B) She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.

C) She said: she loved the book, so I gave it to her.

 D) She said she loved the book: so I gave it to her.

Semicolons and Colons Quiz 1

6.

A) She has three dogs: two poodles and: a beagle.

B) She has three dogs; two poodles and a beagle.

C) She has three dogs: two poodles and a beagle.

D) She has three dogs, two poodles, and a beagle.

7.

A) The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

B) The orchestra, excluding the violin section; was not up to par.

C) The orchestra; excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

D) The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was: not up to par.

8.

A) I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
 B) I have been to San Francisco California; Reno Nevada; and Seattle Washington.

C) I have been to San Francisco California, Reno Nevada, and Seattle Washington.

D) I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.

9.

A) I need a few items at the store, clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.

B) I need a few items at the store; clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.

C) I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.

10.

A) I answered the phone, but; no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.

B) I answered the phone: but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.

C) I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.

Quiz Results
1. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

Correct Answer: B You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.

Explanation: use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two closely related

sentences.
Your Answer: Not Answered

2.

Correct Answer: C We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.

Explanation: do not use semicolons where commas can do the job.

Your Answer: Not Answered

3.

Correct Answer: A The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected
the shipment to arrive by now.

Explanation: it is preferable to use a semicolon before, and a comma after,

introductory words such as however, therefore, for example when they introduce a
complete sentence.

Your Answer: Not Answered

4.

Correct Answer: D The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.

Explanation: use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce any list.

Your Answer: Not Answered

5.

Correct Answer: B She said she loved the book, so I gave it to her.
Explanation: use a comma to separate two sentences joined by coordinating
conjunctions such as and, but, or, so, for, nor.

Your Answer: Not Answered

6.

Correct Answer: C She has three dogs: two poodles and a beagle.

Explanation: see Explanation 4.

Your Answer: Not Answered

7.

Correct Answer: A The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

Explanation: see Explanation 2.

Your Answer: Not Answered

8.

Correct Answer: D I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and
Seattle, Washington.

Explanation: use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the
units contain commas.

Your Answer: Not Answered

9.
Correct Answer: C I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener,
and napkins.

Explanation: see Explanation 4.

Your Answer: Not Answered

10.

Correct Answer: C I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other
end of the line.

Explanation: see Explanation 5.

Your Answer: Not Answered

Final Score: 0/10

Semicolons and Colons Quiz 2
1. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

A) Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish; I’m a vegetarian.

B) Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish: I’m a vegetarian.

C) Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, I’m a vegetarian.

2.

A) The centerpieces had her favorite flowers. Roses, carnations, and daisies.

B) The centerpieces had her favorite flowers; roses, carnations, and daisies.

C) The centerpieces had her favorite flowers: roses, carnations, and daisies.

D) A, B, and C are all correct.

3.

A) They were missing a few things on their camping trip, namely; they forgot sunscreen
firewood.

B) They were missing a few things on their camping trip; namely, they forgot sunscreen
firewood.

C) They were missing a few things on their camping trip, namely: they forgot sunscreen
firewood.

4.

A) Please give me some time I do not want to be rushed.

B) Please give me some time; I do not want to be rushed.

C) Please give me some time, I do not want to be rushed.

5.
 A) While visiting the beach, we saw pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.

B) While visiting the beach, we saw: pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.

C) While visiting the beach: we saw pelicans, stingrays, and iguanas.

Semicolons and Colons Quiz 2

6.

A) I would like to leave early in the morning, therefore: I am going to bed soon.

B) I would like to: leave early in the morning; therefore, I am going to bed soon.

C) I would like to leave early in the morning; therefore, I am going to bed soon.

7.

A) On our last trip we stayed in: Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando,

B) On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, F

C) On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Orlando, F

8.

A) The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses: uniforms, shoes, equipment, a
 B) The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses: uniforms; shoes; equipment; a

C) The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses, uniforms; shoes; equipment; a

9.

A) Estella landed her dream summer job: She’ll be an intern in a senator’s office.

B) Estella landed her dream summer job: she’ll be an intern in a senator’s office.

C) Estella landed her dream summer job; she’ll be an intern in a senator’s office.

D) A, B, and C are all correct.

10.

A) Roberto can’t decide among three careers: dentist, veterinarian, or physical therapis

B) Roberto can’t decide among three careers: dentist; veterinarian; or physical therapis

C) Roberto can’t decide among three careers; dentist, veterinarian, or physical therapis

D) A, B, and C are all correct.

Quiz Results
1. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

Correct Answer: A Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish; I’m a vegetarian.

Explanation: a semicolon may be used between closely related independent clauses.

2.

Correct Answer: C The centerpieces had her favorite flowers: roses, carnations,
and daisies.

Explanation: use a colon to introduce a series of items.

3.

Correct Answer: B They were missing a few things on their camping trip; namely,
they forgot sunscreen, towels, and firewood.

Explanation: use a semicolon before certain introductory words (“namely”) that

precede a complete sentence.

4.

Correct Answer: B Please give me some time; I do not want to be rushed.

Explanation: see Explanation 1.

5.

Correct Answer: A While visiting the beach, we saw pelicans, stingrays, and
iguanas.

Explanation: no semicolons or colons are called for in this sentence.

6.

Correct Answer: C I would like to leave early in the morning; therefore, I am

going to bed soon.

Explanation: use a semicolon before certain introductory words (“therefore”) that

precede a complete sentence.

7.

Correct Answer: C On our last trip we stayed in Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta,

Georgia; and Orlando, Florida.

Explanation: use semicolons to separate units of a series when one or more of the
units contain commas.

8.

Correct Answer: A The girls on the team will have quite a few expenses:
uniforms, shoes, equipment, and camp fees.

Explanation: see Explanation 2.

9.

Correct Answer: D A, B, and C are all correct.

Explanation: the three sentences are each consistent with the rules of semicolons
and colons.

10.

Correct Answer: A Roberto can’t decide among three careers: dentist,

veterinarian, or physical therapist.

Explanation: see Explanation 2.

Final Score: 0/10