SAT Grammar / Punctuation

Semicolons

Part of the full libraryOpens January 2, 2027 · $97 for a year
What’s included
semicolonThe mark ; used to join two closely related statements that could each stand alone as a sentence. It also separates list items that already contain commas.

You’ll leave with these skills

  1. Place a semicolon and “however” between two complete sentencesPut the semicolon between complete sentences and place however in the statement that expresses the contrast.
  2. Tell whether “however” goes before or after the semicolonCompare each statement with the preceding one and place however in the statement that expresses a contrast.
  3. Spot when “however” sits inside one sentence and needs only commasSet off however with commas within one complete clause, or use a period or semicolon before it when it begins another complete clause.
  4. Reject a semicolon that has only a phrase after itWhen a sentence ends at the blank, read the words after it by themselves, and use a semicolon only if they could stand as a sentence.

This lesson is part of the full library

207 lessons that teach every skill the SAT tests
  • 71Math
  • 40Reading
  • 24Grammar
  • 10 full-length practice tests to build test-day stamina and confidence
  • A Desmos simulator to solve math questions faster
  • A step-by-step guide to every practice test question
  • The Bluebook Simulator, so test day feels familiar
  • A drawing for every key term, so new ideas make sense at a glance

Explore the full library