What is a Semi-Colon?

Punctuation is one of those topics that seems easy enough, right?

You could tackle exclamation marks and full stops blindfolded with one hand tied behind your back.  Semi-colons, however, often send even adults running for the hills.  It’s no wonder then, that pupils often struggle to master these pesky punctuation marks. 
 

What are semi-colons used for?

1. To break up lists.

If you have a list of long phrases, or a list with more commas than you can shake a stick at, you can use a semi-colon to break up the items. Unlike with a comma though, you need to put a semi-colon before the ‘and’ or ‘or’ that joins the last two things on the list. Take a look at these examples and all will become clear:

Example 1:

"At the zoo I saw a large, grey hippopotamus eating a watermelon; a cheeky, white gibbon who was stealing people’s hats; and a fearsome, tawny lion who was looking at me like I was a snack."

Example 2:

"My dream dinner party guests would be: British scientist, Charles Darwin; American singer, Taylor Swift; Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra; and Herbert, from down the road."
 

2. To join two related main clauses into one sentence.

You can use a semi-colon to combine two main clauses into one sentence.  The clauses must be about the same topic and they must be equally important. Here are some examples:

Example 1:

"Some of the animals have escaped from the zoo; the hippo is in the swimming pool."

Example 2:

"Cleo’s gone to run herself a bath; I hope I’ve bought enough bath bombs."
 

So now you know what’s what with semi-colons, here are some great resources to use in Year 6.

KS2 Semi-colon resources

Semi-colons PowerPoint for Year 6

If you want a PowerPoint that covers everything a Year 6 pupil ever needs to know about semi-colons, then we have just the ticket.  This CGP+ PowerPoint for Year 6 covers both ways of using semi-colons and even includes activities for pupils to practise their semi-colon skills.  You’re welcome.

Colon, semi-colon and dash matching activity for Year 6

One thing pupils often get muddled up with is the difference between a semi-colon and a colon.  Throw in a dash and things can quickly get messy.  This worksheet aimed at Year 6 not only gets them to choose the correct punctuation mark, but also encourages them to explain why they chose it.

Colon, semi-colon and dash Jigsaw activity for Year 6

There’s yet more practice on choosing between colons, semi-colons and dashes in this fun jigsaw worksheet.  Plus, there’s even a foundation and a stretch version so you can cater for all abilities.

There’s no doubt this is one of the trickier areas of punctuation, but once your pupils have become masters at using semi-colons, there’ll be no stopping them.