Semicolon Rules
Rule 1
-A semicolon can replace a period between two closely
related independent clauses.
Examples:
-Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.
-I’m looking for my book; where do you suppose I put
it?
Rule 2
-If there is a conjunctive adverb linking two independent
clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some conjunctive adverbs
are: moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore,
then, finally, likewise and consequently.
Example:
-The students had been advised against walking alone at
night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it
was early in the evening.
Rule 3
-Super Comma Rule: Use a semicolon to make a list of
items that are separated by a comma. This often occurs
when listing names, dates, locations, and descriptions.
Examples:
-We had students from Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and
Caracas, Venezuela.
-Her classmates were attending college for a variety of
fields, including Sarah, who wanted to study biology;
Samuel, who wanted to study psychology; and Seth, who
wanted to study mathematics.
Try these examples:
1. I like chocolate however I don’t like dark chocolate.
2. I can’t eat strawberries they give me a rash.
3. I am really disgusted with my essay therefore I am
going to revise it.
4. The crowd was too rowdy consequently the band
quit playing and walked off the stage.