Semicolon vs. Period: What’s the Difference?

A period signals a full stop. A semicolon connects two closely related independent clauses. They are small marks with big authority. Writers often confuse them, but once you understand what each does, they become powerful tools for your writing.

Photo by Lucie Liz

Periods and semicolons often dance to the same tune; in most sentences, you’ll never have to choose which leads. When the surrounding context doesn’t demand a particular tone or structure, writers rarely have to make an explicit choice between using a period or a semicolon.

We use semicolons and periods to separate two complete sentences. These particular punctuation marks can both divide independent clauses, which means sentences that could stand alone.

Examples:

With a period:

Paris is known for its rich history. It attracts millions of visitors every year.

With a semicolon:

Paris is known for its rich history; it also boasts a vibrant modern culture.

What a Period Does

A period ends a complete sentence. It is most commonly used punctuation mark in English, and that’s for good reason. It gives the reader a moment to reset and move on. They are ideal when you want clarity over flow, you’re making direct or factual statements, and you want a firm and confident tone.

Example: She finished the manuscript. It was finally ready for submission. Each sentence stands alone. The ideas are related, but the period keeps them separate and clear.

What a Semicolon Does

A semicolon links ideas while preserving independence. These could be sentences that could stand alone but work better together. Think of it as a soft stop, longer than a comma but shorter than a period. They are useful when the relationship between ideas is tight, you want smoother flow than a period allows, and you want to avoid choppy writing.

For example: She finished the manuscript; it was finally ready for submission.

Both halves could be sentences on their own. The semicolon says: these ideas belong together.

Using Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs

This is where many writers slip. Conjunctive adverbs such as however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless often require a semicolon before them when they join two independent clauses.

Correct: She wanted to publish independently; however, the costs were intimidating.

Correct: She wanted to publish independently. However, the costs were intimidating.

Both are valid. The choice depends on how closely you want the ideas linked.

Incorrect: She wanted to publish independently, however the costs were intimidating.

Why it’s wrong: a comma alone can’t join two complete sentences.

A Short Test for You

1. Choose the best answer.

A       You asked for forgiveness: he granted it to you.

B       You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.

C       You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.

D       You asked for forgiveness he granted it to you.

2. Choose the best answer.

A The roses in my garden are very red. Unfortunately the grass is brown and dying.

B The roses in my garden are very red: unfortunately the grass is brown and dying.

C The roses in my garden are very red; unfortunately, the grass is brown and dying.

D The roses in my garden are very red, unfortunately, the grass is brown and dying.

3. Choose the best answer.

A Stephen King is an author. In 1977, he published The Shining.

B Stephen King is an author in 1977 he published The Shining.

C Stephen King is an author; in 1977 he published The Shining.

D Stephen King is an author in 1977 he published The Shining.

Answers

1. Answer: B - You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.

Explanation: use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two closely related sentences.

2. Answer: C - The roses in my garden are very red; unfortunately, the grass is brown and dying.

3. Answer: A - Stephen King is an author. In 1977, he published The Shining.

If your manuscript is finished and you want your periods and semicolons to land with intention, we’re here to help. Send your manuscript to themanuscripteditor.com for a complimentary 800-word sample edit.