a piece of punctuation that can separate items in a detailed list in which each item includes commas

when the meaning of a sentence or text is unclear to the reader

a piece of punctuation placed after a main clause that can introduce a list or question

a piece of punctuation used to separate nouns in a list and to demarcate a non-finite clause or a relative clause

Semi-colons: second function

English

In this unit, pupils learn how to use the colon and the semi-colon.

In 'Speech punctuation, parenthesis and apostrophes', pupils learnt to punctuate a speech interrupted sentence. In this unit, pupils will learn how to use the colon and the semi-colon. 

Punctuation 

Which of the following pieces of punctuation might we need to punctuate a detailed list? 

because none of the items contains a comma

Why does the following list **not** need semi-colons? 'I bought several items: eggs, milk, cheese and cream.'

Why does this list need semi-colons? 'The landscape was filled with exciting noises: the loud, shrill squawk of a bird; the harsh, low growl of a puma; and the chirp of a rodent, scurrying away.'

between two adjectives in an expanded noun phrase

For what reasons are there commas in this list? 'She saw incredible things: bright jewels, shimmering in the darkness; mummies, whose bandages were pure white; and beautiful, golden treasures.' 

it is easier to see what the list items are

Using semi-colons in lists helps reduce ambiguity. What does this mean? 

an expanded noun phrase with two adjectives

Which language features are used in the following list item? 'a vast, ice-covered mountain, towering above her head'

two groups of words that could each make a complete sentence

We really enjoyed ourselves my mum; was less impressed. 

We really enjoyed ourselves; My mum was less impressed. 

We really enjoyed ourselves; my mum was less impressed. 

Which version below joins these two sentences correctly using a semi-colon? 'We really enjoyed ourselves. My mum was less impressed.'

the match was cancelled at the last minute. 

Match each main clause to a closely-related one to create a sentence that could be joined with a semi-colon.

Pausing at the door; the headteacher smiled he was so impressed. 

Pausing at the door, the headteacher smiled; he was so impressed. 

Pausing at the door the headteacher smiled he was; so impressed. 

Which of the following sentences has the semi-colon in the correct position? 

Before I could finish my lunch, the bell rang; it was time to go back. 

Wincing in pain; Jacob lay on the floor, it had been a hard tackle.

Mr Martinez smiled; as Jun answered it was a very impressive response. 

Aisha sang beautifully, filling the whole church; it was a beautiful moment.

Select all of the sentences with a semi-colon in the correct position. 

Mr Martinez waved at me in the shop; he had recognised me. 

Alex passed the ball to me first; he lives in the next village over. 

Izzy loves to draw; her brother prefers to paint. 

Miss O'Neill drives to school by car; her house is very small.

Which of the following sentences uses a semi-colon correctly to join two closely-related ideas?

Starter Quiz