Semi-colons
The mark between a comma and a full stop: joining two main clauses, and tidying long lists.
The answer
A semi-colon (;) joins two closely related main clauses into one sentence, and it can also separate long items in a list.
Examples
It’s raining; I’m fed up.
The national curriculum’s own Year 6 example.
The cat was asleep; the dog was wide awake.
Some children love maths; others prefer art.
We visited Bath, which has Roman baths; Bristol, which has a famous bridge; and Wells, which has a cathedral.
In a list whose items already contain commas, semi-colons keep the items apart.
How to spot it
- Check both sides. Each side should be a main clause that could be a sentence by itself.
- The two clauses should be closely linked in meaning.
- In a list, semi-colons separate long items, especially items that already contain commas.
The common mistake
Joining two main clauses with a comma.
‘It was late, we went home’ is a comma splice. Use a semi-colon (It was late; we went home), a full stop or a conjunction.
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 6
- On the pupil word list
- Year 6, as “semi-colon”
Year 6 uses the semi-colon to mark the boundary between main clauses and to separate items within lists.
Try a question
Tick the sentence where the semi-colon is used correctly.
- I love swimming; because it is fun.
- I love swimming; my brother prefers running.
- I love; swimming and running.
- Because I love swimming; I go every week.
Show the answer
Answer: I love swimming; my brother prefers running.
Both sides are main clauses that could be sentences on their own, and they are closely linked.
Related terms
- Practise the 11+ skill: Mark a sentence boundary
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
Can a semi-colon replace and?
Yes, when both parts are main clauses: I washed up and Dad dried can become I washed up; Dad dried.
Should I use a semi-colon or a full stop?
Both are correct between two main clauses. A semi-colon shows the two ideas are closely linked; a full stop keeps them apart.
Does the word after a semi-colon need a capital letter?
No, unless it is a proper noun or the word I.
Grammar turns up in 11+ English too
Many 11+ English papers include grammar and punctuation questions alongside comprehension. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.