How to Use Semicolons Properly

Semicolons are often mistakenly used in place of commas or periods. Semicolons clarify meaning by loosely joining related elements within a written passage.

Instructions

1. Place a semicolon between two sentences when a conjunction has been omitted. For example, "Visit me tomorrow; I will be up to company." Another example: "I have paid the bill; my cable will be reconnected tomorrow."

2. Use a semicolon before introductory words such as "however" or "for example" when they come before a complete sentence. You could write, "I would go with you; however, I have a doctor's appointment at that time."

3. Separate items in a series with a semicolon when the items are lengthy or contain commas. For example, "I have lived in Memphis, Tennessee; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Canton, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania."

4. Link two independent clauses or two sentences joined by a conjunction with a semicolon. The following sentence is an example of this usage: "I must wash and dry the dishes; but I will be glad to help with your homework after I finish."