Semi-Colons

What is a semi-colon?

A semi-colon is a piece of punctuation which links two independent clauses and demonstrates to the reader that the two clauses are closely linked. Semi-colons are also used to separate items in a list which has been introduced with a colon. Semi-colons help authors to improve the clarity or flow of their sentences and to change the tone or pace of their writing.

Semi-colons should not be confused with colons. They are formed differently and serve different purposes within a sentence.

What is a colon?

A colon is a piece of punctuation used to introduce a list or to link an independent clause to a dependent clause containing an example or explanation.

When and how to use semi-colons

Semi-colons can be used to signal that two independent clauses are closely related in a way that a co-ordinating conjunction or a full stop does not. They can also be used to separate items in a list following a colon to ensure that the information is clear to the reader.

To help children understand when and how to use a semi-colon, be sure to offer plenty of modelled examples. Start by providing children with independant clauses that are separated by a full stop or linked with a co-ordinating conjunction and ask children to replace the existing punctuation with a semi-colon.

Then, provide children with two related independent clauses without any punctuation and ask children to identify where they need to add a semi-colon. Scrambled sentences also offer a great way to help children get to grips with when and where to use semi-colons in a sentence.

Another way to practise semi-colon use is to ask children to pair up. One child can write the first independent clause and add the semi-colon, the second child must add a second related, independent clause. These can be shared with the class to unpick whether the example is accurate and what impact the punctuation has on the reader.

Once children have mastered these activities, begin to embed examples within larger texts or provide examples where children must select the correct punctuation from a range of options. Can children spot all the places where a semi-colon is needed with a paragraph? Can children spot where a semi-colon is need rather than a colon or a full stop?

Why not use our FREE Semi-Colon Sentences activity to help your children understand where and when to how a semi-colon?

Why use a semi-colon?

Semi-colons are a useful tool for any author. They can be used to link clauses in order to help the reader see a connection or make a comparison and they can help the author to convey a change in pace or tone. Semi-colons can also break up complex information, so that the text can be more easily read and understood by the reader.

Common mistakes when using semi-colons

Three common mistakes that children make when learning how to use semi-colons are:

1. incorrectly using a colon or a comma to seperate independent clauses instead of a semi-colon;
2. using a capital letter to start their second clause following the semi-colon; and,
3. forming semi-colons which are not consistent with the size of their handwriting.

Plan to explicitly teach and address these points.

• Give children plenty of opportunity to form semi-colons.
• Ask children to spot and correct the errors in sentences (which include rogue capital letters following semi-colons).
• Offer children a variety of multi-clause sentences without punctuation and ask them to identify and add the correct punctuation marks.

To help your children fully embed their understanding of more advanced punctuation, why not ask them to create a table highlighting the differences between colons and semi-colons.

You can also download our FREE UKS2 Punctuation Activities designed to support children make their own punctuation reference poster, which can be kept in the front of their English books or displayed on your English working wall.

Teaching progression for semi-colons

Identifying and using semi-colons is a Year 6 English objective.

Before introducing children to semi-colons, ensure that they have a solid understanding of what independent and dependent clauses are and of the relationship between them. They should also know what a colon is and how to use it. Colons tend to be easier for children to understand, and they are also needed in sentences which introduce lists, separated by semi-colons - so it makes sense for these to be pre-taught.  

Children also need to be able to confidently understand a semi colon's purpose, identify the graphic representation and be able to form a semi-colon before they apply this punctuation in their independent writing. Use the ideas and resources in this article to support your children's learning.

Download our Shackleton's Journey Letter Writing English Scheme of work, specifically designed to offer children the opportunity to demonstrate their application of advanced punctuation.

LESSON PACK Shackleton's Journey Letter Writing

FREE Semi-colon Sentences

FREE UKS2 Punctuation Activities