Grammar Mishaps: When to Use Semicolon instead of a Comma
91When should you use a semicolon and when should you use a comma?
The bottom line: it's up to you. Semicolons and commas are used to link two sentences or independent clauses. An independent clause must contain a subject and a verb. You have the choice of leaving one independent clause alone and ending it with a period, or you may link two independent clauses together with either a comma or semicolon. As long as you follow the simple rules for commas and semicolons, grammatically, either way you will be correct.
Correct Usage of the Semicolon (;)
The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc. When beginning the second independent clause after a semicolon, do not use a capital.
- I love chocolate mint gelato; it's not as healthy as yogurt.
- I love chocolate mint gelato; however, it's not as healthy as yogurt
- Yesterday, we went to Walter Haas Park; Georgia was exhausted when we got home.
- Yesterday, we went to Walter Haas Park; thus, Georgia was exhausted when we got home.
Correct Usage of the Comma with Independent Clauses
When linking two independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, for, so, nor, yet), place the comma before the conjunction. Remember: do not use the comma if you do not have two independent clauses.
- I love chocolate mint gelato, but it's not as healthy as yogurt.
- Yesterday, we went to Walter Haas Park, and Georgia was exhausted when we got home.
- Yesterday, we went to Walter Haas Park and were exhausted afterward. (There is no comma before the "and" here because "were exhausted afterward" is not a complete sentence.
OOPS- Common Mistakes
- These sentences contain two independent clauses without coordinating conjunctions; thus, you need to use a semicolon and not a comma.
She was a great dancer, she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. INCORRECT
She was a great dancer; she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. CORRECT
- "Thus" is a conjunctive verb that is connecting two independent clauses. Commas are not used with conjunctive verbs and independent clauses.
She was a great dancer, thus, she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. INCORRECT
She was a great dancer; thus, she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. CORRECT
- In some instances it is best to use semicolons instead of commas. For example, when there are lists that contain more than one word a comma may cause confusion. In the below examples, the first and third sentences are confusing because we are unsure of which items are being listed.
I love dancers: they are graceful, which is evident by their delicate movements, they are hard working, which shows through their strength in their movements, and they are disciplined, which we can see through their precision of steps. INCORRECT
I love dancers: they are graceful, which is evident by their delicate movements; they are hard working, which shows through their strength in their movements; and they are disciplined, which we can see through their precision of steps. CORRECT
He was campaigning in Los Angeles, California, Lincoln, Nebraska, Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. INCORRECT
He was campaigning in Los Angeles, California; Lincoln, Nebraska; Boston, Massachusetts; and Providence, Rhode Island. CORRECT
vote upvote downsharePrintflag
- Useful (44)
- Funny (5)
- Awesome (5)
- Beautiful (4)
- Interesting (1)
Thoughts, Comments or Questions?Loading...
In my opinion, brackets should not be used interchangeably with commas, semicolons or parenthesis. I use brackets in these instances: when there is a parenthesis inside a parenthetical sentence I begin and end with a bracket; when changing the upper or lower case of a word in a quoted sentence; when adding information to a quoted sentence for clarification; or when indicating a misspelling in a quoted sentence, you use the term"[sic]". Hope this helps. It's probably more than you wanted to know. ;) Robin
Thanks Robin you will make a writer out of me yet lol.....jimmy
For some reason, I like grammar-even though mine isn't always correct. Maybe it's one of my idiosyncrasies. I guess it's the teacher in me. Thanks for reading them! ;)
Once again, I'm a bit more enlightened. Thank you for this hub.
Thanks for reading!
Where would you put the comma in the following sentence? 'Watching television wasn't an option as she didn't understand it and therefore wasn't interested.'
Hi Kerin,
The sentence sounds a bit long-winded. I would restate it, "Watching television wasn't an option; she didn't understand it and, therefore, wasn't interested." There is not a comma before "and" because "therefore, wasn't interested" isn't a complete sentence. However, you need a comma before and after "therefore" because it is used as an interrupter in the sentence.  The sentence would still make sense if you omitted "therefore". Hope that helps! Great sentence to dissect! ;)
Really liked the examples, thanks. I noticed a little typo and thought you should know:
The use of commas instead of semicolons is not advised when it there are multiple commas that may cause confusion. The first and third sentences are confusing because we are unsure of which items are being listed and separated by commas.
all the best
Dave
Thanks for the catch, Dave! Cheers!
Isn't it incorrect to use "I GOT $15". instead of "I have $15" when you are saying what you have in your posession
Hi Tom,Â
It depends on your reference. If you are saying "got" in the place of "received", (e.g., I got $15 for my birthday,) then "got" is fine. If you mean "in my possession" I would use "have", (e.g., I have $15 in my pocket). Hope that helps!
I am working on my resume and in trying to be consistent I am a little list on the semi colon vs comma i am listing job duties for example
Duties include maintaining accounting records using QuickBooks Enterprise Edition 2006, setup and monthly preparation of financial statements, setup and maintenance of annual budget including sales quotas in Excel and QuickBooks for ongoing variance analysis, bank reconciliations, AP, AR, daily cash management using online banking, sales and use tax reports, data entry and other administrative duties as required by President and CEO.
Sorry for such a big example but it is actually the smallest in my resume.
Hi Marie,
I would use semicolons instead of commas just to reduce confusion. You could also display in bullet form with each skill having a new bullet. Below is one way it can be done. I don't know what "AP" and "AR" are, you may want to clarify this.
Duties include: maintaining accounting records using QuickBooks Enterprise Edition 2006; setup and monthly preparation of financial statements; setup and maintenance of annual budget, including sales quotas in Excel and QuickBooks for ongoing variance analysis; bank reconciliations; AP; AR; daily cash management using online banking; sales and use tax reports; data entry; and other administrative duties as required by President and CEO.
Hope that helps! Good luck with the job search!!
Ah, those tricky semi colons! Thanks for clarifying.
Thanks for the comment, John D Lee!
It was the longest journey of my life; nine months.
Comma or semi-colon?
Thanks
Hi Sandy,
I would not use a semi-colon because nine months is not a complete sentence. A comma would be fine. It was the longest journey of my life, nine months. Thanks for the question!
First, you said that "thus" is a conjunctive adverb, later you called it a "conjunctive verb." How can it be both?
Where des the commas go in this sentence?
Now, if all you guys, out there, still want to come in for, a dose of arbitrary thoughts that might or might not tickle your funny bone, you are welcome.
i esp love the area where you have given examples of colons, semi-colons and commas. it's enlightening. from the examples itself, i can more or less, know their difference and guess why it's like that if you understand what i mean. thanks lots.
I too am glad you wrote this hub! When I went through school I was in an experimental year where they decided not to teach grammar only reading comprehension. Safe to say my vocabulary rocks and my grammar leaves something to be desired. Usually I rely on my trusty computer 'grammar watch' to aid me in tricky situations. However, now that I'm older and in the process of learning a foreign language; truly understanding grammar has become imperative. See I need your help! Great hubs!
Useful article, thanks!
Hi all,
I am wondering if it is ever allowable to omit commas before and after the word "therefore." For example, in this instance:
Fewer meals are eaten at home, and therefore there are fewer opportunities to teach children about appropriate portion size and healthy food choices.
I think that commas should be omitted because the "therefore" is essential in this case. When it is removed, serious damage to the meaning of the sentence results.
Opinions?
My question regards colons vs. semi-colons. I found the following at Robert McKee's site (he's the writing guru, puts on those famous seminars, was featured in the movie "Adaptation"): "Quality story structure demands creativity; It cannot be reduced to simple formulas that impose a rigid number of mandatory story elements...."
Possibly that should be a colon instead of a semi-colon, but my real question is that I think "it" should not be capitalized. What's the rule about capitalization after a semi-colon?
Very relavent topic and one I needed to read. We all get spelling check but not grammar check.
Thank you for helping us out.
It's all so clear now. Thankyou
Hi there. If I'm writing a list such as "Director Jane1 Harris; Pianist Jane2 Harris; Clarinetist Jane3 Harris" would it be correct to use the semicolon or should I use a comma? Thanks...Cat
I work in the funeral home industry and have seen obituaries written in a hundred different ways.
Would it be correct to say, "He is survived by three daughters, Jane Doe; Janice Doe; Jackie Doe; three sons, John Doe; Jack Doe; James Doe; etc...."
or
"He is survived by three daughters, Jane Doe, Janice Doe, and Jackie Doe; three sons, John Doe, Jack Doe and James Doe; etc...."?
Thanks!
Hi Robin, need help with commas for this sentence. I think needs to be used before the conjunction.
"FIN is best suited for children and adolescents because it does not interfere with the growth process and has the lowest complication rate"
Excellent article. Very helpful. :)
THANKS--have been trying to figure out the ; and , usage on a resume. I've been using the format you referred to but was never sure it was acceptable.
BTW--it's "Hubbard Street Dance Chicago" now. It was never "Ballet" since all the rep is modern ballet/modern jazz.
Robin, where have you been all my internet life?! I hope your excellent teaching catches on.
What is incorrect with this sentence. "John Doe he wanted to go to the game.
Knowing things brings immense pleasure. I came to know there is a lot to learn. I am a kid. I have made some attempts to write hubs. May please see.
Hi Robin...So glad I found you on the hub. Have you ever heard of Grammar Girl? She's been on Oprah, has books and such... well you are now my personal grammar girl on HP!!! This is great!
Thanks, Ann!
Good clear hub Robin; I'm writing a book on here, so your pages will come in handy! Hope I've used the colon and comma correct...
Hey Robin, just came across your hub for no real reason, but I enjoyed the discussions. I'll be sure to add your site to my bookmarks.
Great hub. I teach grammar and still like to read about it in my spare time!
Thanks, Robin! I have found your advice much easier to follow than most of the other grammar sites. Would you mind clarifying something regarding an earlier post? Which of the following sentences is considered to be grammatically correct? This first sentence is the one you had suggested.
It was the longest journey of my life, nine months.
It was the longest journey of my life: nine months.
It was the longest journey of my life - nine months.
In this situation, I remember being taught to use the colon but I guess there could be more than one correct way of writing it.
Thanks either way!
I never really gave a fuss on the difference between these two but after reading your post, I actually have to think over the instances that I have incorrectly used the comma and the semi colon. Thanks.
Would I put a comma after the word "goodbye" in the following sentence?
When you and I said goodbye, I felt the angels cry.
thanks your information was useful
thanks your information was useful
Robin, what a great English lesson. I've always shied away from using the semicolon, because of being unsure of just how to use it. I can't wait to peruse your other teaching hubs. I'll now have to watch how I word my comments, LOL!
Where would you use comma or semi colon in this paragraph?
A career in the bio-medical engineering program would be a perfect fit for the university and me. As a student, I will bring my enthusiasm for sports, my community involvement, my academic achievement and leadership skills to enhance the university. I truly believe that the University of Wisconsin gives me the best opportunity to achieve my goals while enriching the community.
This helped me so much. Thank you!
How about this in this sentence?
"This necessitates maintaining situational awareness of all systems and system configurations across the organization, evaluating the security impact of actual and proposed changes, assessing all security controls, collecting, correlating and analyzing security-related information, actionable communication of security status across all levels of the organization, and active management of risk by organizational officials."
I like the comma, but my colleague prefers the semi colon. Is the semi colon preferable because the "collecting, correlating and analyzing" part in the middle of the list?
I am wondering if the semicolans use below are correct or if commas would be better.
"She will be deeply missed by her husband and best friend, Steve, her loving sons, Derrick Rossi and Jared Rossi; her parents; and her four sisters."
Thanks for your help.
Does a colon always folows a complete sentance or independant clause?
"The bottom line: it's up to you."
Is it right to use a semicolon in this sentence and are my commas used correctly?
She concludes that even though in Russia people were not living a good materialistic life, they felt happy and close to each other; whereas, many people in Canada are living a good materialistic life, but they are unhappy and lonely because they lack the blessings of true friendship.
Karen you are the best!!!!!
Comma or semi-colon?
My family really wanted to make so many moves, but it had to do so. Because it was necessary for my father´s ``,´´ or ``;´´ we moved almost every year.
Great hub ,Thanks for sharing details
Is this correct usage a a semicolon?
So, we have something's in common; can we talk?
Robin, this is wonderful information as are your other grammar hubs. Thanks for taking the time to provide this information. As a former English major, I love it when I see grammar lessons. In the age of texting, I think grammar and spelling are becoming a lost arts.
Thanks, Esme. I greatly appreciate the feedback and look forward to reading more of your Hubs!
Please help. What punctuation would be accurate in the following sentence?
Arise shine for your light has come.
I am considering the following, Arise; shine for your light has come.
Thank you.
Hi robin I have a huge test on these Puncuation rules and I don't get them at all I'm only 13 but I need help!!
Thanks Robin, it helps me a lot before my TOEFL exam!
do you use a comma or semicolon before yes or correct at the end of a sentence? i.e. And he spoke to you about the injuries that he received that day; correct?
Lisa,
I would use:
Arise, shine, for your light has come. [the NIV uses this version as well]
However, other translations (ASV & NKJV, for example) use Arise, shine; for your light has come.
Robin.Thanks!
Bet you didn't know how needy we all are!
Wonderful hub.I will keep it close!
Would I use a semicolon or a comma if saying:
I'm pretty sure it's tomato, not potato.
I'm pretty sure it's tomato; not potato.
?
When do you use the dash in a sentence.
Where would the comma go in What's To Come Is Better Than What's Been
@ joe - you should use a dash when giving a definition or additional information about a certain word or phrase in your sentence; e.g The teacher spoke of mammals - animals that feed on milk in their early growth.
jimmythejock Level 2 Commenter 5 years ago
hi Robin a question lol. could i use brackets ( instead of a comma or a colon in some cases).