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Academy11+

Punctuation guide

Semicolons

A semicolon joins two sentences that are closely linked, where a full stop would feel too strong. Both halves must make sense on their own.

The rules

When it's taught at school: Year 6.

  1. 1

    Join two linked sentences

    • It was getting late; the sun had nearly set.
    • Ali loves football; his sister prefers tennis.
  2. 2

    Both sides must be complete sentences

    If either side couldn't stand alone as a sentence, a semicolon is wrong.

    • The bus was late; we missed the start of the film.
  3. 3

    Separating long list items

    When the items already have commas in them.

    • We visited Bath, which has Roman baths; York, with its walls; and Edinburgh, home of the castle.

Common mistakes

  • The film was long, we enjoyed every minute.

    The film was long; we enjoyed every minute.

    Both parts are sentences on their own, so a comma can't join them. Use a semicolon or a full stop.

Spot the mistake, 11+ style

Real examples of the questions in our papers. Cover the answer and see if your child can find the mistake.

  • Don't exaggerate, / the fish you / caught was / not that big.

    Show the answer

    Part A should be Don't exaggerate;. Both parts of this sentence could be sentences on their own, so they can't be joined with just a comma. A semicolon (or a full stop) is needed.

  • It is unnecessary / to shout, / I can hear / you perfectly.

    Show the answer

    Part B should be to shout;. Both parts of this sentence could be sentences on their own, so they can't be joined with just a comma. A semicolon (or a full stop) is needed.

  • You must keep / your promise, / otherwise, people / will not trust you.

    Show the answer

    Part B should be your promise;. Both parts of this sentence could be sentences on their own, so they can't be joined with just a comma. A semicolon (or a full stop) is needed.

  • I love reading / adventure stories, / my sister prefers / books about animals.

    Show the answer

    Part B should be adventure stories;. Both parts of this sentence could be sentences on their own, so they can't be joined with just a comma. A semicolon (or a full stop) is needed.

  • The museum / was closed, / we went to / the park instead.

    Show the answer

    Part B should be was closed;. Both parts of this sentence could be sentences on their own, so they can't be joined with just a comma. A semicolon (or a full stop) is needed.

  • Lena practised / every evening, / as a result, / she won the contest.

    Show the answer

    Part B should be every evening;. Both parts of this sentence could be sentences on their own, so they can't be joined with just a comma. A semicolon (or a full stop) is needed.

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