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Use a semicolon to separate two separate, yet independent, clauses. Each clause could stand alone as a grammatically correct sentence.

  • The lecturer wore incredibly thick glasses; he often misplaced them atop his head.

A semicolon is also used in place of commas to add clarity in a long or complex sentence containing a list. Do not use a semicolon to introduce a list of items.

  • While in Canada, I visited Toronto, Ontario; Regina, Saskatchewan; Calgary, Alberta; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
  • Dunedin is famous for having; the steepest street in the world, an albatross colony, and the first university in New Zealand.

About the Writing Style Guide

This guide is designed to help ensure writing style – whether for internal or external audiences, written for print or online – is consistent and maintains a professional standard across the University. It is not designed for academic writing.

Feedback

Please send any feedback – including reports of errors or requests for changes – to writing.style@otago.ac.nz

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