Using semicolons in lists


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Semicolons can be used to separate items in a list.

Semicolons to Separate List Items

Items in lists are usually separated with commas (as in the first example below). However, if the list items themselves contain commas, then semicolons can be used as separators.

Examples:

I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle and York.

(comma used to separate list items)

I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle and York in the North; Bristol, Exeter and
Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich and Lincoln in the East.

(semicolons used to separate the list items as they contain commas)

You should choose ham, chicken or char-grilled vegetable sandwiches; cups
of tea, Bovril or coffee (if you don't mind them lukewarm); or red wine (one
of the few options that's drinkable when lukewarm).

         semicolons used to separate lists
            items containing commas (correct)
                   (magazine article)

HIERARCHY OF PUNCTUATION

In complex lists like the one below, semicolons are used to separate the list items, because commas are used within the list items. Brackets are also used to add information within the list items.

The guests of honour at the dinner will be Dr Alfred Peebles, the expedition leader; Mr Donald Keen, an experienced mountaineer (the latest addition to the expedition); Mrs Susan Honeywell,
ornithologist from the RSPCB (Mr Keen's fiancée); and Capt. John Trimble, the base-camp commander.

Initially, separate list items with commas in the normal way. However, if you then find that one of your list items contains a comma, you should "promote" the other commas to semicolons.

Bread, milk, butter, cheese, lamb, beef and onions

Bread, milk, butter and cheese from the corner shop; lamb and beef from the market; and onions from your uncle's
stall