Semicolons as Connectors

Learning Objectives

In this workshop, you will focus on the following objective:
Grammar: 

• Understanding how to use semicolons.

Semicolons as Connectors

Connectors 

A semicolon is a punctuation mark that, among other things, can link main clauses. A coordinating conjunction— such as and, but, or, and yet— connects words or groups of words of equal weight. A conjunctive adverb is a word that creates a transition between main clauses.

Literature Connection 

In this quotation from “The Witness for the Prosecution,” Christie uses a semicolon (a punctuation mark that links related ideas). 

In cross-examination counsel for the defense succeeded in getting her to contradict herself once or twice over her account of Vole’s association with Miss French; he emphasized the fact that though she had heard a man’s voice in the sitting room that night, there was nothing to show that it was Vole who was there. 

—Agatha Christie, from “The Witness for the Prosecution”

A semicolon may link closely related main (or independent) clauses. For example, a semicolon could connect At first she raged against the idea and then at last she agreed with their plan, to create At first she raged against the idea; then at last she agreed with their plan.

Semicolons can also connect compound sentences that contain a conjunction (a word that connects words or groups of words of equal weight) or a conjunctive adverb (a word that creates a transition between main clauses).

Situation 

To replace a comma and a coordinating conjunction and accentuate a close relationship between two clauses 

        They were love letters, and the man they were written to was not Vole. 

        They were love letters; the man they were written to was not Vole. 

Situation 

To use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb to join two sentences         

        His wife was to testify against him. Therefore, the trial might be doomed. 

        His wife was to testify against him; therefore, the trial might be doomed.

Semicolons as Connectors Quiz

Are these sentences correct or incorrect? Select the appropriate answer.