Page 934 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

The Semicolon

2

Use semicolons correctly.

Semicolons are punctuation marks that are stronger than commas

but weaker than periods. Unlike commas, semicolons alone can join

two independent clauses. Unlike periods, they do not separate ideas

but link them in a single sentence.

Semicolon to Join Independent

Clauses

A semicolon may be used with a transitional expression between

independent clauses or may be used alone between independent

clauses that are closely related. (For a more detailed discussion of this

use of the semicolon, see ​Chapter 16 , “Run-on Sentences.”)

Examples of Semicolons to Join