Using the Semi-Colon

"I have grown fond of semicolons in recent years. . . . It is almost always a greater pleasure to come across a semicolon than a period. The period tells you that that is that; if you didn't get all the meaning you wanted or expected, anyway you got all the writer intended to parcel out and now you have to move along. But with a semicolon there you get a pleasant little feeling of expectancy; there is more to come; read on; it will get clearer."

Lewis Thomaso

Lewis Thomas, physician and writer, understood the importance of the semi-colon. It connects while a period ends. Thus, when you want to connect two clauses and find coordinating conjunctions don't work, use the semi-colon. As Thomas says, the semi-colon tells you "there is more."

1. Use a semi-colon to connect two independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Ex. A: The debates between administrators provide valuable information; they chiefly let us know how the administrators differ on policy.

Ex. B: In some states, students can use high school credits for college courses; in other states, students must be enrolled in an institution of higher education to gain credits.

Caution: Be careful not to confuse the semi-colon with a comma. Using a comma to connect two independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction creates a comma splice, a punctuation error.

2. Use a semi-colon to join independent clauses joined by a transitional expression, such as a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.

Ex. A: When you go to the post office for stamps, check them carefully; however, don't take up too much time if others are in line.

Ex. B: You also get a chance to vote for changes in laws; for example, you may vote on whether to allow snowmobiles in city limits.

Caution: Not all conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases connect independent clauses. If the second clause cannot stand alone as a sentence, use a comma before the adverb or phrase rather than a semi-colon.

Ex. A: This country is a republic, however democratic.

Ex. B: We need stronger laws to protect our children, for example, laws that censor the Internet.

2. Use a semi-colon to separate items in a series with commas within the items.

Ex. A: The Lewis-Madisons lived in Norwalk, Connecticut; Akron, Ohio; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Butte, Montana, before settling in Omaha.

Ex. B: We will review the test information on July 6, 2005; August 9, 2006; and September 12, 2007.

oThomas , Lewis. "Notes on Punctuation." From The Medusa and the Snail: More Notes of a Biology Watcher. New York: Viking, 1979. 103-06.

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