Writing Skills

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.

• CORRECT: It's a lovely day, so let's go for a drive!
• CORRECT: It’s a lovely day; let’s go for a drive!

Semicolons should not be used between a dependent clause and an independent clause.

• INCORRECT: Even though I was early for class; James was not.
• CORRECT: Even though I was early for class, James was not.

Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression, such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore.

Conjunctive Adverb:

• CORRECT: Bruce is a boyfriend; moreover, he's a great listener. 

Transitional Expression:

• CORRECT: Peter finished the projects; in contrast, Tony had only just logged in. 

Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas.

• INCORRECT: I won't cook, clean, or wash windows, nor will I change diapers.
• CORRECT: I won't cook, clean, or wash windows; nor will I change diapers.