Semicolon Usage
by Sean Woods

Correct semicolon usage is easy if you remember the following rules.

Rule 1 - A semicolon can link two independent clauses without using connecting words. What is an independent clause? It is words that can be a sentence all by themselves.

Example of proper semicolon usage – My birthday is tomorrow; I hope my friends will throw me a party.

The words, “My birthday is tomorrow,” and “I hope my friends throw me a party” could both be a sentence, so putting a semicolon between them is correct.

Example of when not to use a semicolon – Although clowns are funny; they are also pretty scary.

The words, “Although clowns are funny,” do not form a complete sentence, so there should not be a semicolon here.
Rule 2 – Do not use a semicolon when the two independent clauses are joined by a conjunction. A conjunction is a word like but, and, or, nor, for, so, and yet. If there is a conjunction, use a comma instead.

Incorrect – Monkeys are cute and cuddly; but they do not make the best pets.

Even though the words, “Monkeys are cute and cuddly,” and “they do not make the best pets” could be sentences, there should not be a semicolon since they are joined by a conjunction.

Correct - Monkeys are cute and cuddly, but they do not make the best pets.

Rule 3 – Use a semicolon like a super comma to separate lists of items that are each separated with a comma. This can be confusing, so let’s use an example.

Example - The train made several stops along its route, Chicago, Illinois; Nashville, Tennessee; and Orlando, Florida.

If the sentence had all commas, it would be difficult to read.

That’s all there is! If you remember these few simple rules, you should have no trouble with correct semicolon usage.

If you have more questions, feel free to go to http://www.grammarperfection.com or contacthelp@grammarperfection.com.