Semicolons on the SAT
One Rule, Easy Points
Master sentence structure, punctuation, and clarity with repeatable rules.
Guard the Sentence Core
Identify the subject and verb, then make sure punctuation does not split them or add extra ideas.
- Find the subject + verb first. That is the sentence core.
- Only add commas around extra information, never inside the core.
- Re-read the sentence without the modifier to test clarity.
Why Semicolons Matters on the SAT
Semicolons appear on nearly every SAT Reading and Writing module, and they follow one simple, predictable rule. Once you learn that rule, you can answer these questions in under 30 seconds, turning them into some of the easiest points on the entire test. Most students overthink semicolons, but by the end of this post, you will never second-guess one again.
The One Rule You Need
Here it is: a semicolon joins two independent clauses. That's it. An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought, in other words, it could stand on its own as a sentence. If what comes before the semicolon is a complete sentence and what comes after it is also a complete sentence, the semicolon is correct.
For example:
- "The library closes at nine; most students leave by eight."
Both sides are complete sentences. The semicolon works. - "The library closes at nine; which surprises many students."
The second part, "which surprises many students", is not a complete sentence. The semicolon is wrong.
That's the whole concept. Everything else is just recognizing where students get tripped up.
Three Misconceptions That Cost Students Points
Misconception 1: "A semicolon is just a fancy comma."
No. A comma alone cannot join two independent clauses. When you try, you create what's
called a comma splice, and that's always wrong on the SAT. If you see two complete sentences
separated by just a comma and no conjunction, that answer choice is out.
Misconception 2: "You can put a semicolon before 'and' or 'but.'"
A semicolon replaces the conjunction. You use a semicolon instead of a comma plus a
coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), not alongside one. On the SAT, if
you see a semicolon followed immediately by "and" or "but," that's wrong.
Misconception 3: "Semicolons can introduce fragments."
On the SAT, semicolons virtually always connect two independent clauses. If one side isn't a
complete sentence, the semicolon is wrong. Check both sides, every time.
SAT Strategy: The 15-Second Test
When you see a semicolon in the answer choices on the SAT Reading and Writing section, here's your move:
- Read what comes before the punctuation mark. Is it an independent clause? Could it stand alone as a sentence?
- Read what comes after. Same question, is it a complete sentence on its own?
- If both sides are independent clauses, the semicolon works. (A period would also work. A comma alone would not.)
- If either side is NOT an independent clause, the semicolon is wrong. Eliminate it.
That's it. This check takes 10–15 seconds and gives you a definitive answer. No guessing required.
One More Thing: Conjunctive Adverbs
Words like however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, and consequently are called conjunctive adverbs. They look like they connect sentences the way "and" or "but" do, but they don't. They are not coordinating conjunctions. When a conjunctive adverb appears between two independent clauses, you need a semicolon before it and a comma after it:
- "The experiment failed; however, the researchers gained valuable insights."
The SAT loves testing this. If you see "however" between two complete thoughts with only a comma before it, that's a comma splice, and it's wrong.
Practice Semicolons with SAT-Style Questions
Now let's put this to work. These questions mirror what you'll see on the actual SAT. For each one, apply the 15-second test: check both sides, then choose your answer.
Which choice best punctuates the connection between these two clauses?
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Key Takeaways for Semicolons
- A semicolon joins two independent clauses, full sentences that can each stand on their own. If either side isn't a complete sentence, the semicolon is wrong.
- A comma alone between two independent clauses is a comma splice, always incorrect on the SAT. You need either a semicolon, a period, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.
- Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover) are not coordinating conjunctions. Use a semicolon before them and a comma after them when they sit between two independent clauses.
- On test day, apply the 15-second test: check both sides for completeness, then choose your answer with confidence.
Conclusion: The Core Rule for Semicolons
Semicolons follow one rule, and the SAT tests that rule the same way every time. Now you know exactly what to look for: two independent clauses, one semicolon, no guesswork. Practice this a few more times with real SAT questions, and these points become automatic, easy marks you can bank before moving on to the tougher stuff.
Remember: Check both sides. If each side can stand alone as a sentence, the semicolon works. If not, it doesn't. That's the whole game.
