Page 164 - Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking

Semicolons behave a lot like periods, but they join two independent clauses (see
section 5.4, Clauses) or sentences together instead of using a coordinating

conjunction (see section 14.1). This indicates that the two clauses or sentences
should be considered closely related. In the following sentence, in place of the

semicolon we could have instead used a comma and the word but: The cats eat
their meals on the counter; the dogs eat their meals on the floor.

A semicolon is also used between two independent clauses when a transition,
or follow-on effect, is indicated. Common transitional expressions include

therefore, additionally, further, moreover, likewise, for instance, namely, indeed,
and finally. Use a comma after them.

■ We love camping; however, it is too cold this time of the year.

■ She’ll dress you like someone to take seriously; for example, she

knows exactly what shoes and watches are fashionable.

Semicolons can also be used with lists of lists, or with lists of things that
contain commas.

■ The delivery included sweets like butterscotch, caramel, and toffee;
spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; and baking staples like

flour, baking powder, and salt.

16.7 Hyphen

Hyphens join words together to make adjectival compounds. See section 8.1,
Compound Nouns.

They’re also used with some affixes, such as -like, -wise, anti-, and post-,

often to make adjectives.

■ anti-narcotic

■ cat-like
■ weather-wise