Emma Bryce: How to use a semicolon

How to use a semicolon

It may seem like the semicolon is struggling with an identity crisis. It looks like a comma crossed with a period. Maybe that's why we toss these punctuation marks around like grammatical confetti; we're confused about how to use them properly. Emma Bryce clarifies best practices for the semi-confusing semicolon. [Directed by Karrot Entertainment, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Tom Jordan].

The semicolon sits between a comma and a period, offering unique power to clarify tangled sentences and connect related thoughts. When a sentence is already crowded with commas, the semicolon steps in to provide order and meaning. Its ability to link independent clauses brings flow and variety, rescuing writing from monotony. By mastering two simple rules, anyone can turn this misunderstood mark into a tool for clarity and style.