Semicolon
noun
A punctuation mark (;) used to connect independent clauses of a sentence or to separate items in a list, especially when the items contain commas.
I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go to the party tonight.
Often appears as...
- use a semicolon
- semicolon usage
noun
In programming, a character (;) used to mark the end of a statement or to separate elements.
In JavaScript, it's a common practice to end each statement with a semicolon.
Often appears as...
- end with semicolon
- semicolon in programming
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A punctuation mark (;) used to connect independent clauses of a sentence or to separate items in a list, especially when the items contain commas.
I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go to the party tonight.
Often appears as...
- use a semicolon
- semicolon usage
noun
In programming, a character (;) used to mark the end of a statement or to separate elements.
In JavaScript, it's a common practice to end each statement with a semicolon.
Often appears as...
- end with semicolon
- semicolon in programming
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Clarifying Lists
Use semicolons to clarify items in complex lists that contain internal commas.
The conference has attendees from Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
Pro Tip 2/3Balancing Sentences
Semicolons balance two related but independent ideas without using a conjunction.
She was the wiser; he was the stronger.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoiding Overuse
Too many semicolons can make writing seem complicated; use them sparingly.
She likes cats; dogs, however; are her favorite; which is evident.
Pro Tip 1/3Clarifying Lists
Use semicolons to clarify items in complex lists that contain internal commas.
The conference has attendees from Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
Pro Tip 2/3Balancing Sentences
Semicolons balance two related but independent ideas without using a conjunction.
She was the wiser; he was the stronger.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoiding Overuse
Too many semicolons can make writing seem complicated; use them sparingly.
She likes cats; dogs, however; are her favorite; which is evident.
Pro Tip 1/3Clarifying Lists
Use semicolons to clarify items in complex lists that contain internal commas.
The conference has attendees from Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
Pro Tip 2/3Balancing Sentences
Semicolons balance two related but independent ideas without using a conjunction.
She was the wiser; he was the stronger.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoiding Overuse
Too many semicolons can make writing seem complicated; use them sparingly.
She likes cats; dogs, however; are her favorite; which is evident.
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Video examples
How to use a semicolon -...
then, they become enlightening, finally, you'll find yourself falling for these delightful punctuation marks." Even though the commas separate different parts of the sentence, it's easy to lose track of what belongs where. But then the semicolon edges in to the rescue.
Video examples
Teach girls bravery, not...
with sometimes just a semicolon making the difference between success and failure. Code breaks and then it falls apart, and it often takes many, many tries until that magical moment when what you're trying to build comes to life.
Video examples
How to use a semicolon -...
then, they become enlightening, finally, you'll find yourself falling for these delightful punctuation marks." Even though the commas separate different parts of the sentence, it's easy to lose track of what belongs where. But then the semicolon edges in to the rescue.
Video examples
Teach girls bravery, not...
with sometimes just a semicolon making the difference between success and failure. Code breaks and then it falls apart, and it often takes many, many tries until that magical moment when what you're trying to build comes to life.
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Reshma Saujani
American Lawyer
Coding, it's an endless process of trial and error, of trying to get the right command in the right place, with sometimes just a semicolon making the difference between success and failure. Code breaks and then it falls apart, and it often takes many, many tries until that magical moment when what you're trying to build comes to life.
Quote examples
Lewis Thomas
American Scientist
Sometimes you get a glimpse of a semicolon coming, a few lines farther on, and it is like climbing a steep path through woods and seeing a wooden bench just at a bend in the road ahead, a place where you can expect to sit for a moment, catching your breath.
Quote examples
Jenna Wortham
American Journalist
Oceans of emotion can be transmitted through a text message, an emoji sequence, and a winking semicolon, but humans are hardwired to respond to visuals.
Quote examples
Abraham Lincoln
American President
I have great respect for the semicolon; it is a mighty handy little fellow.
Quote examples
Keith Hernandez
American Athlete
I'm pretty sure when I need a comma; I'm not so sure about a semicolon.
Quote examples
Brian P. Cleary
American Author
I love the semicolon; it's unnecessary, but graceful and sophisticated.
Quote examples
Reshma Saujani
American Lawyer
Coding, it's an endless process of trial and error, of trying to get the right command in the right place, with sometimes just a semicolon making the difference between success and failure. Code breaks and then it falls apart, and it often takes many, many tries until that magical moment when what you're trying to build comes to life.
Quote examples
Lewis Thomas
American Scientist
Sometimes you get a glimpse of a semicolon coming, a few lines farther on, and it is like climbing a steep path through woods and seeing a wooden bench just at a bend in the road ahead, a place where you can expect to sit for a moment, catching your breath.
Quote examples
Jenna Wortham
American Journalist
Oceans of emotion can be transmitted through a text message, an emoji sequence, and a winking semicolon, but humans are hardwired to respond to visuals.
Quote examples
Abraham Lincoln
American President
I have great respect for the semicolon; it is a mighty handy little fellow.
Quote examples
Keith Hernandez
American Athlete
I'm pretty sure when I need a comma; I'm not so sure about a semicolon.
Quote examples
Brian P. Cleary
American Author
I love the semicolon; it's unnecessary, but graceful and sophisticated.
Example 1 of 6
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