What is a Semicolon? Definition & AP English Examples

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔗 Definition: A semicolon (;) connects two independent clauses that are closely related.
• 💡 Rule 1: Joining Independent Clauses: Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses not connected by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Example: The sky is blue; the clouds are white.
• 📝 Rule 2: With Conjunctive Adverbs: Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore, moreover, furthermore) when it connects two independent clauses, and a comma after the conjunctive adverb. Example: The test was difficult; however, I tried my best.
• 🎯 Rule 3: In Complex Lists: Use semicolons to separate items in a list when those items already contain commas. Example: I visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and London, England.
• 🚫 Common Mistake: Avoid using a semicolon to join an independent clause and a dependent clause.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon correctly?
   1. A. I went to the store, however, I forgot my wallet.
   2. B. I went to the store; however, I forgot my wallet.
   3. C. I went to the store; however I forgot my wallet.
   4. D. I went to the store however; I forgot my wallet.
2. Choose the sentence where a semicolon is most appropriate:
   1. A. The dog barked loudly, I couldn't sleep.
   2. B. The dog barked loudly; I couldn't sleep.
   3. C. The dog barked loudly. I couldn't sleep.
   4. D. The dog barked loudly, and I couldn't sleep.
3. Which sentence demonstrates correct semicolon usage in a complex list?
   1. A. I have lived in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Boise, Idaho.
   2. B. I have lived in Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and Boise, Idaho.
   3. C. I have lived in Seattle; Washington, Portland; Oregon, and Boise; Idaho.
   4. D. I have lived in Seattle, Washington; Portland; Oregon; and Boise, Idaho.
4. Select the sentence where a semicolon is NOT needed:
   1. A. The rain fell heavily; the streets flooded quickly.
   2. B. The rain fell heavily, and the streets flooded quickly.
   3. C. The rain fell heavily; and the streets flooded quickly.
   4. D. The rain fell heavily; because the streets flooded quickly.
5. Which of the following correctly uses a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb?
   1. A. She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.
   2. B. She studied hard, therefore she passed the exam.
   3. C. She studied hard, therefore, she passed the exam.
   4. D. She studied hard; therefore she passed the exam.
6. Identify the sentence that improperly uses a semicolon:
   1. A. Because it was raining; I took my umbrella.
   2. B. It was raining; therefore, I took my umbrella.
   3. C. It was raining; I took my umbrella.
   4. D. It was raining; consequently, I took my umbrella.
7. Which sentence best demonstrates the proper use of semicolons to separate independent clauses?
   1. A. The sun was shining; birds were singing; it was a perfect day.
   2. B. The sun was shining, birds were singing, it was a perfect day.
   3. C. The sun was shining; and birds were singing; it was a perfect day.
   4. D. The sun was shining; birds were singing, it was a perfect day.