You should never follow a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or, so) or a dependent clause (a phrase that can't stand alone as a sentence); instead, use it to join two related independent clauses, connect items in a complex list, or precede conjunctive adverbs like however, and never use it to introduce a list like a colon would.
Correct: John finished all his homework; Kathleen did not finish hers. Semicolons should not be used between a dependent clause and an independent clause.
When a transitional expression appears between independent clauses, the transition is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma.
What are the three rules for using semicolons correctly?
Perhaps the most common semicolon mistake is using the punctuation mark when it is not needed. Use Semicolons as Follows: Link two or more related independent clauses with a semicolon unless they are already joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Use a semicolon when you link two related independent clauses with no connecting words, e.g.:
The symbol (;), which looks like a dot above a comma, is called a semicolon, and it's used in writing to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list, acting as a pause stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. It's a less common but important punctuation mark that helps create flow and clarity in sentences.
■Misuses of the Semicolon
Because a semicolon can only separate independent clauses, it cannot be used when the words before or after it cannot stand alone as a sentence. (wrong) Driving to school; I saw the accident. (wrong) You'll do well on your speech; because you practiced so carefully.
Use the semicolon to separate the independent clauses, then slip in a transitional phrase and comma after the semicolon.
Avoid common errors using the colon.
A colon must be preceded by a full independent clause. Therefore avoid using it between a verb and its object or complement, between a preposition and its object, and after such as, including, or for example.
What are the 14 punctuation marks?
When clauses in a sentence are closely related in meaning, a semicolon is an appropriate dividing punctuation mark. Note that the words "and," "but," "or," and "nor" do not follow semicolons. It was difficult to reproduce the experiment; the material Smith and Jones used was not widely available.
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy. Some people write with a word processor, tablet, or even a phone; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil.
Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you've been to college.
Here are some examples of how they fit in sentences:
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The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook doesn't ban the Oxford comma but recommends using it only when necessary for clarity. The Chicago Manual of Style and Modern Language Association (MLA) are strong proponents of the Oxford comma and recommend using it in almost all instances.
Semicolons can…
When can you use semicolons? Using semicolons is simple; you can use a semicolon anywhere there is a comma that separates two independent clauses. However, using too many semicolons comes across as immature and unprofessional. Instead, it may be a good idea to limit the use of semicolons further.
First, people don't know how to use a semicolon, and even if you are just a little unsure, you're less likely to take the risk of using it wrong. Next, we're writing a lot of pieces that are shorter than the kinds of things we used to write.
In English, it is normally read aloud as "at", and is also commonly called the at symbol, commercial at (commat), or address sign. Most languages have their own name for the symbol. @ At sign.
The big four from most difficult to master to the easiest: comma, apostrophe (because of possessives), semicolon and colon.
A colon (:) is mostly used to present lists and complete quotations. It's also used to introduce clarifying examples or definitions or elaborate on a previous statement. A semicolon (;) is used to join two related independent clauses, with or without a conjunctive adverb that's followed by a comma.