Today we’ll discuss the semi-colon

I’ve discussed semi-colon (;) in the very first video of Phrases and Clauses chapter here. (You may have to register.)

Today let’s get a bit deeper into semi-colons and see the two cases where they are used:

  1.  instead of full stops

We use a semi-colon, instead of a full-stop, to separate two related independent clauses. If you don’t know what a clause is, do check the video. In short, an independent clause is a sentence. (Note: A full-stop is also known as a ‘period’.)

                  I have to reach home on time; my mother gets really worried.

                  It is an amazing movie; let us hope it wins some awards.

Of course you can use a full-stop in either one.

  1.  in lists 


Semi-colons are also used to separate items in a list. We do this when the sentence is complex and/or when we might need commas for other reasons.

The author implies that Telemachus is always presented as a hero-in-training; that Homeric verse offers a wholehearted endorsement of the heroic warrior code or of ‘patriarchy’; and that Homeric verse in general is humourless, unengaging and obscure.

He complained of not having enough time to prepare a lecture; of unnecessary editorial    interventions in his articles; of party sluggishness in finding him a new secretary; and of being given ‘truly futile’ work.

Compare colon