Writing · Free lesson
Use a semicolon between two complete clauses
You have two connected ideas. A comma alone often cannot join them in standard edited prose, but you do not always need to add another word.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
A semicolon (;) can join two closely related complete clauses without a connecting word: The library is closed; we can return tomorrow. Each side must be able to stand as a sentence in this pattern.
Check both sides before choosing the mark.
An independent clause has a subject, a verb and a complete thought. The library is closed and We can return tomorrow each pass that test. Joining two independent clauses with only a comma is called a comma splice. Here, a semicolon repairs it while keeping one sentence.
Three valid ways to connect these ideas
The library is closed; we can return tomorrow.
The library is closed. We can return tomorrow.
The library is closed, so we can return tomorrow.
A full stop or period also works if you use two sentences. A comma with a suitable coordinating word, such as so, is another option.
Test the two sides
Read the first clause alone
The library is closed.
Read the second clause alone
We can return tomorrow.
Keep the ideas connected
The library is closed; we can return tomorrow.
Try it now
Check the clause, not just the pause.
Read all answers and explanations
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon between two complete clauses?
The café is full; we can sit outside.The café is full and We can sit outside can each stand alone. Because it is lunchtime is dependent; The café alone has no verb.
Which sentence fails this two-complete-clauses semicolon pattern?
The rain stopped; after an hour.After an hour is a phrase, not an independent clause. The other two examples have complete clauses on both sides.
Keep the two ideas in ONE sentence, add no connecting word, and use standard punctuation. Which version fits?
The battery is empty; I need to charge it.The semicolon joins the two complete clauses. The comma alone makes a comma splice. The period is valid writing, but creates two sentences rather than the requested one.
Put it into practice
Repair the comma splice.
Keep every word and keep one sentence. Replace the comma with the mark that can join these two complete clauses.
The room is cold, I will close the window.
See a model answer
The room is cold; I will close the window.
The room is cold and I will close the window each stand alone. The semicolon replaces the joining comma. A period would also be possible in a different task that allowed two sentences.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Is a period wrong here?
No. A period makes two correct sentences. The editing activity specifically asks for one sentence; it is not claiming that every other valid repair is bad English.
The room is cold. I will close the window.
Will semicolons make my writing more advanced?
Using the right mark matters more than using an impressive-looking one. Choose a semicolon when the complete ideas are closely connected; do not replace every full stop with it.
The room is cold; I will close the window.
Take it into your day
Two complete, related clauses can share a sentence with a semicolon.
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