Semicolon

Use a semicolon (;) to separate independent coordinate clauses closely connected in meaning when no coordinate conjunction (such as and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet ) is used
• The computer club uses that room every other Wednesday; the writers club meets there every other Friday.
• Nobody got 100% on the examination; the highest score was 98%.
1. Permissible exception: If the independent clauses of a compound sentence are very long or have internal punctuation, a semicolon (rather than a comma) can be used before the coordinate conjunction.
  • Sharon took a coffee break; but she did not leave her desk and took only ten of the alotted fifteen minutes to relax her aching eyes.
  • Before you go, put your beach towel, sunglasses, and suntan lotion in your backpack; and you probably should make a sandwich to take as well.
  • They unanimously voted Mr. Shea, the oldest member, as president; for he was the most knowledgeable, best qualified candidate for the job.

Use a semicolon before a transitional word or phrase which joins the coordinate clauses of a compound sentence. (A comma is placed after a transitional word or phrase, although it is permissible to omit the comma after a word of five or less letters.) The following is a list of commonly used transitional words and phrases:

accordingly
afterwards
again
anyhow
as a result
at last
at the same time
besides
consequently
doubtless
due to this

eventually
evidently
finally
for example
for instance
for this reason
furthermore
hence
however
indeed
in addition

in any case
in any event
in fact
in like manner
in short
likewise
meanwhile
moreover
namely
nevertheless
next

on the contrary
on the other hand
otherwise
perhaps
possibly
still
that is
then
therefore
thus
yet

• Mark was not thrilled about flying; besides, the air fare was prohibitive.
• I can’t go with you; hence there is no point in discussing it further.
• Barbara felt inadequate at spelling; on the other hand, she was a whiz at math.

Use a semicolon in lists where a comma is insufficient to separate the items clearly.
• He is deciding among the Taurus, which has his favorite color combination; the Honda, which gets the best gas mileage; and the Nissan, which is the best deal.
• Do you want a hamburger with lettuce, tomato, and pickle; a hot dog with ketchup, mustard, and relish; or a bowl of chili with beans?

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