Using Semicolons to Connect Independent Clauses

A semicolon by itself can be used to connect two independent clauses. However, this is rarely done. As a rule, two conditions are necessary in order to use a semicolon as the only thing connecting two independent clauses:

• The main ideas of the two sentences must have a very close connection to each other, and
• At least one of the two sentences must be short.

The coordinating conjunctions not only connect independent clauses, but they indicate something about the relationship between the ideas contained in each independent clause (c.f., but shows contrast). This is lost when the only thing connecting the two independent clauses is a semicolon. It is possible, however, to show the relationship between independent clauses when using a semicolon to connect the clauses. Writers often include conjunctive adverbs with the semicolon. These conjunctive adverbs show relationships the same way coordinating conjunctions do. The pattern for using conjunctive adverbs with semicolons to join independent clauses is

Independent clause; conjunctive adverb, independent clause.

Note that the semicolon comes where a period would go at the end of the first independent clause and that a comma follows the conjunctive adverb.

Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs are the "good china" of language. Students should use these when writing formal papers and not when writing personal paragraphs or essays. Words like thus, nevertheless, and hence are too formal for "everyday use."

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs

ENGL1010 Composition I