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Grammar and mechanics instruction for the doctoral capstone students.

Semicolon Basics

Semicolons are punctuation marks used to separate parts of sentences.

Note the bolding and highlighting used for emphasis in the examples on this page.

Use a semicolon in the following instances:

 

  1. To join two independent clauses to connect two closely related ideas. Use a semicolon when separating two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction. When a semicolon is used between the two independent clauses, the two ideas (the two independent clauses) are given equal position or rank. This is a stylistic choice made by the writer; a period would also be correct.
     
    CORRECT:
    The theory of planned behavior illustrates that behavior can be deliberate and planned; the theory helps explain an individual’s ability to exert self-control over his or her behavior.
     
    CORRECT (alternative version using a period):
    The theory of planned behavior illustrates that behavior can be deliberate and planned. The theory helps explain an individual’s ability to exert self-control over his or her behavior.
     
    INCORRECT (The second clause here is dependent and cannot stand alone; the second clause is a sentence fragment.):
    The theory of planned behavior illustrates that behavior can be deliberate and planned; while theory helps explain an individual’s ability to exert self-control over his or her behavior.
     
    INCORRECT (There is a coordinating conjunction between the two independent clauses, so a comma is needed here instead.):
    The theory of planned behavior illustrates that behavior can be deliberate and planned; and the theory helps explain an individual’s ability to exert self-control over his or her behavior.
     
  2. To join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase (such as however, therefore, consequently, nevertheless, furthermore, moreover, as a result) to connect two closely related ideas. Note that there is a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb/transitional phrase and a comma after it.
     
    CORRECT:
    This structure joins two independent clauses; moreover, it creates cohesion in the text by showing how one idea relates to another.
     
    CORRECT:
    I had difficulty obtaining a large number of participants; however, I still reached saturation in the interviews.
     
    INCORRECT (this is a run-on sentence):
    I had difficulty obtaining a large number of participants, however, I still reached saturation in the interviews.
     
  3. In a series. Use semicolons to separate elements in a series that already contains commas to avoid confusion between the serialized items.
     
    CORRECT:
    In this section, I present the operational definitions; the assumptions, limitations, and delimitations; and the significance of the study.
     
    CORRECT:
    Numerous researchers have noted that daily English and academic English are two distinct skill sets (Braxley, 2005; DiCerbo et al., 2014; Hyland, 2016; Langum & Sullivan, 2017; Lucas et al., 2008; Mallia, 2017; Scarcella, 2003).

For more information about semicolons, see the following links:

In addition, refer to APA 7, Section 6.4 for more information about semicolon usage.