Ah, the ever-feared semicolon. Using it improperly can result in an awkward sentence, and not using it at all can result in a run-on sentence. Many writers mistakenly use the semicolon when a comma is more appropriate, and vice versa. So how can we know every time without fear of how to properly use a semicolon?

We had previously written about how semicolons (or lack thereof) got this Maine dairy company into huge trouble. But this branding agency is home to many an obsessive-compulsive copywriter, and this week, we really want to show you how to actually use a semicolon properly and when a comma would be better. 

Independent Sway
A semicolon joins two independent clauses that have a close relationship.

What makes a clause independent? As opposed to a dependent clause, which needs to be joined with another clause to form a sentence, an independent clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence. “I am writing a sentence” is an independent clause; just pop a period at the end and call it a day.

It’s often best to leave two independent clauses separated, especially in copywriting. But any writer can quickly create a close relationship with two statements with a well-placed semicolon.

A perfect example: “I am writing a sentence; hopefully, you will read it.”

The Diner Dilemma
The situation becomes tricky in the case of complex lists. As mentioned, a dependent clause needs to be joined with another to form a full sentence, usually achieved with a comma or conjunction like “and.”

But when an item in a list is made up of two or more dependent clauses separated by a comma or conjunction, a semicolon needs to separate that item so as not to confuse the division of items in the list.

This is best explained with a breakfast menu: “Ham or sausage; toast or English muffin; grits or hash browns; eggs, tomatoes, and choice of cheese.” While the list itself isn’t complex, the semicolon is used cleverly to create a close relationship between the items on the list while also separating them and implying a choice between the two.

Still Scared?
Don’t worry: semicolons are rarely the only option!

Just look back to the first example I used: “I am writing a sentence; hopefully, you will read it.” You can just as easily replace the semicolon with a period, and it would still be grammatically correct.

Now look at the second example: the list would have to be written in a much longer, more verbose way, but it can still be rewritten without the semicolons!

So, if you’re ever in doubt about using semicolons in copywriting, just remember the K.I.S.S. rule: keep it simple, stupid! You don’t always have to go for a complex sentence, and you can almost always rewrite a sentence without a semicolon. 

And, of course, if you still need a helping hand, call your friendly neighborhood grammar nerds at Sack Lunch Agency! We’ll always keep your copy crispy, clean and professional, and we love talking copy with people other than ourselves (seriously, we’re pretty sure no one in Delray appreciates grammar perfection like we do!).