Join related independent clauses with a semicolon
The idea
A semicolon can join two independent clauses; each side must have its own complete main clause.
Step by step
- Check that the words before the semicolon form a complete sentence.
- Check that the words after it also form a complete sentence.
- Use the semicolon when the two complete ideas are closely related and no coordinating conjunction is needed.
Example
Join these closely related complete sentences: The fog lifted. The boats left the harbor.
Which semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses?
Answer
The fog lifted; the boats left the harbor.
The fog lifted and the boats left the harbor are both complete, related clauses.
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Write two related complete sentences, then join them with a semicolon without dropping either subject.
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