Grammar: ✨ Grammar Essentials: ✏️ Writing Mechanics - Advanced (B2) - Lesson 2: Effective Use of Semicolons (linking independent clauses, complex lists)

Grammar: Advanced Punctuation

B2 Lesson 2: Effective Use of Semicolons

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use semicolons correctly to link closely related independent clauses and to separate items in a complex list.

Why It Matters: Avoiding the Comma Splice

The semicolon (;) adds style and clarity to your writing. Its most important job is to correctly link two full sentences, avoiding a common grammar error called a comma splice.

❌ Incorrect (Comma Splice)

The lecture was interesting, I learned a lot.

✅ Correct

The lecture was interesting; I learned a lot.

The Two Main Uses of the Semicolon 📖

Use 1: Linking Closely Related Sentences

You can use a semicolon to connect two complete sentences (independent clauses) that are very closely related in idea, without using a word like 'and' or 'but'.

The journey to Battambang was long; I was exhausted when we arrived.

Using a semicolon here shows that the exhaustion is a direct result of the long journey. It creates a stronger link.

Use 2: Separating Items in a Complex List

If you have a list where the items themselves contain commas, a semicolon acts as a powerful separator to keep the list clear and easy to read.

For my trip, I plan to visit Phnom Penh, the capital city; Battambang, a hub for artists; and Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat.

💡 Pro Tip: Semicolons with Transitional Expressions

A very common and effective use is before a transitional expression (like however, therefore, for example) that links two complete sentences.

Structure: Sentence 1 ; transitional expression, sentence 2.

• I wanted to ride the Bamboo Train; however, it started to rain.
• He did not study for the test; therefore, he received a low score.

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Quiz: Punctuation Power

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

1. Which sentence is correct?
   a) The lecture was interesting; I learned a lot.
   b) The lecture was interesting, I learned a lot.
   → Answer: a. Option 'b' is a comma splice.
2. Which sentence is correct?
   a) I have invited Dara, my friend from work, Sam, my cousin, and Vanna, my neighbour.
   b) I have invited Dara, my friend from work; Sam, my cousin; and Vanna, my neighbour.
   → Answer: b. This is a complex list, so semicolons are needed for clarity.
3. Which sentence is correct?
   a) The cafe was closed, however, we found another one.
   b) The cafe was closed; however, we found another one.
   → Answer: b. A semicolon is used before the transitional expression.

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Become a Semicolon Expert

1. Combine these sentences with a semicolon: "The deadline is today. I must finish my work."
   → The deadline is today; I must finish my work.
2. Combine with a semicolon and 'therefore': "The weather was beautiful. We decided to go to the river."
   → The weather was beautiful; therefore, we decided to go to the river.
3. Write a sentence listing three friends and their jobs, using semicolons for clarity.
   → Example: My team includes Vanna, the project manager; Samnang, our lead designer; and Leakhena, the marketing expert.

Key Vocabulary

• Semicolon (;) (Noun) | សញ្ញាក្បៀសចុច
  A punctuation mark indicating a pause that is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period.
• Independent Clause (Noun) | ឃ្លាឯករាជ្យ
  A group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
• Comma Splice (Noun) | ការប្រើក្បៀសខុស
  A grammar error where two complete sentences are joined with only a comma.
• Transitional Expression (Noun) | កន្សោមពាក្យឆ្លង
  A word or phrase (like 'however', 'therefore') that connects one idea to another.