Semicolon Rules: How to Use the Semicolon when Writing in English | Punctuation Essentials | ESL

An in-depth guide on how to use semicolons when writing in English. I will teach you how to use semicolons, explain each of the three rules in detail, and show you several examples. We will go over using semicolons between independent clauses, before conjunctive adverbs, and in complex serial lists.

At the end of the lesson, we will practice using semicolons in five different sentences. Come learn all about colon usage with Sparkle English!

Video Chapters:
0:57 - Introduction to Semicolons
1:37 - Rule 1: Use a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses
5:06 - Rule 2: Use semicolons between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb
7:58 - Rule 3: Use semicolons between items in a series containing internal punctuation
12:40 - Semicolon Practice: Which of these sentences requires semicolons?

Check out my other videos in my English Writing Essentials series below:

#esl #learnenglish #semicolonrules #punctuation #sparkleenglish

[SparkleEnglish]

Quick Reference Links:
0:57 - Introduction to Semicolons
1:37 - Rule 1: Use a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses
5:06 - Rule 2: Use semicolons between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb
7:58 - Rule 3: Use semicolons between items in a series containing internal punctuation
12:40 - Semicolon Practice: Which of these sentences requires semicolons?

[lynettehawken]

I wish more students had a teacher like you to explain this information as clearly and easily as you have! Thanks for this site to help those who haven’t been taught this information in a way they could understand!!!🙏🏻😉

[slimesatisfy]

I am a native English speak, but your video's have really helped improve my written English skills.
Thank you for all the free very valuable videos you make, you're changing lives! God bless you.

[shahzadali]

'Comma' and ' period' were the only punctuations I knew somehow before watching your well-explained videos about the use of ': ', '-' & '; '. I am now confident to use all of them together to produce impressive writing effectively while being on-job as well as off-job. A load of thanks to you. Pls. keep loading such videos to help dummies like me - those who have still not subscribed to or watched 'Sparkle English'.

[agatacebartowska]

I never realized how terrible I am at punctuation. Not anymore! Thank you so so so much for your videos <3

[keniza]

Another awesome lesson; thank you! Please cover: "how to use the dash or hyphen".

[timn.]

You're an asset to the literature community. Especially those of us with ADHD: as mentioned in my comment in your colon definition video. I too was a victim of the proverbial lazy English teacher. I'd have never know if I hadn't watched these videos while doing refresher courses to go back to college 15 years after graduating high school. What a relief.

[CallmeKaram]

I was constantly being declined for the transcriber tests. I had thought that I was doing everything correctly but infact I was making grave grammatical mistakes.
So greatful to have found your channel. It really helps me a lot.

[richardtitus-glover]

Honestly, you’re a great teacher. You make learning so exciting.

[SShowkeen]

I'm binge-watching all your videos. I'm truly grateful. Thanks for putting in the time to show us all these different examples than can be applicable in our daily written conversations.

[fepeerreview]

This channel is an invaluable resource; and that this information is available for free makes it available to everybody!

[felisbertoromao]

You are the epitome of an English teacher.

[WhitePOWERranger]

I’m 54 and this taught me a lot. Thank you!

[jamesb]

I love this lesson; I understand your teaching.
Thank you Ms. Jennifer!

[deshave]

Thank you so much for this. I am currently undertaking a proofreading course, and the semicolon is my nemesis. Your concise, easy-to-understand instructions have helped me to understand the semicolon and its usage.

[asa]

Thanks, Sparkle! You are a true contributor to society.

[marief]

Linguistics was, by far, one of my fav classes! Good for you.

[jboone]

I love how simplistic these videos are.

[hudamohammedelzehery]

You are really excellent.
Semicolons are not that easy.
But you have made it clear and easy.
Thanks a lot.

[wilfredotrinidad]

Excellent and clear lesson. Thank you for preparing so well and your interest in teaching others.