When do you use semicolons in a list

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A semicolon (;) can be used to connect two closely related independent clauses (parts of a sentence that could also stand as separate sentences).

My car broke down this morning; it’s being fixed at the mechanic’s garage now.

Semicolons are also used to separate list items that contain internal punctuation such as commas and dashes.

The film was shot in many stunning locations, including a castle in Heidelberg, Germany; the Great Mosque—also known as the Mezquita—in Cordoba, Spain; and a quaint village in Undredal, Norway.

The semicolon is often described as a punctuation mark that is stronger than a comma and weaker than a full stop, but it is not interchangeable with other punctuation marks.

Table of contents

1. Connecting independent clauses
2. Separating items in complex lists
3. Common semicolon mistakes

Connecting independent clauses

An independent clause is a grouping of words with a subject and a verb that can stand as a complete sentence on its own. A semicolon marks a break between two independent clauses while signaling a close relation between them.

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time; he holds 28 medals, 23 of which are gold.

An easy way to check if your semicolon is grammatically correct is to try replacing it with a period.

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. He holds 28 medals, 23 of which are gold.

The sentence is equally grammatically correct if we split it into two sentences. Since the two clauses convey closely related content, the semicolon is an appropriate choice to link them.

Separating items in complex lists

Items in a list are usually separated with commas.

The spies would travel by land, air, and sea.

Our holiday itinerary in London includes a walk along the canal, some musicals at the theatre, and a fancy meal at a restaurant.

However, if the items themselves contain commas (or other punctuation such as dashes), semicolons are used instead of commas to divide them. This helps readers keep track of the division between the complex items within the list.

The spies would travel by land, in the cars of freight trains; by sea, in the hidden smuggling compartments of merchant vessels; and by air, in the guise of stewards and stewardesses.

Our holiday itinerary in London includes taking a long, leisurely walk along the canal; seeing the musicals The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, and Wicked; and treating ourselves to a fancy meal at a restaurant.

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Common semicolon mistakes

Semicolons are often confused with other punctuation marks. Pay attention to where you put them, and remember that semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or colons.

Semicolon where a comma should go

It’s important to note that a semicolon isn’t just a “stronger” version of a comma. They have different grammatical functions, and using them interchangeably often results in errors.

• The journal would not even consider the article without a properly formatted reference list; which it did not have.
• The journal would not even consider the article without a properly formatted reference list, which it did not have.

Remember that a semicolon connects two independent clauses that are able to stand as complete sentences on their own. In the above example, the dependent clause “which it did not have” cannot form a complete sentence on its own, so it must be joined to the main clause with a comma.

Comma where a semicolon should go

A related mistake is using a comma instead of a semicolon to join independent clauses. This creates an error called a comma splice.

• The professor is currently on sabbatical, she is in Italy researching for her book on Renaissance ivory carvings.
• The professor is currently on sabbatical; she is in Italy researching for her book on Renaissance ivory carvings.

Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, so a comma alone is not sufficient to join them. Instead, they must be split into two sentences, joined with a semicolon, or joined with a conjunction.

Semicolon where a colon should go

Semicolons and colons look similar, but they have different functions. Another common mistake is using a semicolon where a colon should go. Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.

• He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
• He took three things on the hike: his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Luo, A. (2022, November 29). Using Semicolons (;) | Guide, Rules & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved December 27, 2022, from //www.scribbr.com/language-rules/semicolons/

Cite this article

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

How do you use a semicolon in a list example?

Examples of using semicolons in a list.

Look at the following example:.

You will need to bring the following: sleeping bag, pillow, and pyjamas for the overnight stay; water bottle, waterproof jacket, sweatshirt, and walking boots for the afternoon trek; and a swimming kit for the river activities..

Do you use a colon or semicolon for a list?

Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.

When must a semicolon be used to divide elements in a list?

Usually, we use a comma to separate three items or more in a list. However, if one or more of these items contain commas, then you should use a semicolon, instead of a comma, to separate the items and avoid potential confusion.

When should a colon be used in a list?

Use a colon before a series or list only if the words that introduce the list make up a complete sentence: To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, leavener, and salt.