Semicolons

Semicolons have two major functions in English grammar. The first function is to separate two independent clauses as in “I thought I would be able to maneuver around the deer blocking the road; I was sadly mistaken.” The second function of the semicolon is to separate items in a list that are already set apart with commas as in “During my lifetime, I have lived in San Francisco, California; New York, New York; and Chicago, Illinois.”

 

Try It!

In the following sentences, insert semicolons where needed.

1. Ask me any question, I will tell you the answer.
2. The baby was crying all night the parents were not able to sleep.
3. Here is a list of famous U.S. presidents: Washington, George, Kennedy, John F., and Lincoln, Abraham.

 

Answers:

1. Ask me any question; I will tell you the answer.
2. The baby was crying all night; the parents were not able to sleep.

Here is a list of famous U.S. presidents: Washington, George; Kennedy, John F.; and Lincoln, Abraham.