Grammar and reading terms · SAT Reading and Writing, ACT English, ACT Reading
Semicolon
Semicolon: A punctuation mark that joins two closely related independent clauses, or separates items in a list that already contains commas.
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What it means
A semicolon works like a period: the words on both sides must be independent clauses. It is often used before a transition word such as however or therefore, followed by a comma.
In complex lists, semicolons separate items that contain internal commas.
Example
'The experiment failed; however, the team learned a great deal.' List: 'Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Portland, Oregon.'
On the exam
SAT Boundaries and ACT punctuation questions test whether a semicolon is placed between two complete sentences.
Lessons and practice questions
Related terms
- Independent clauseA group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
- Comma spliceAn error in which two independent clauses are joined with only a comma.
- ColonA punctuation mark that follows a complete independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, example or quotation.