Semi-colons

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Semi-colons are used to separate important and equal parts of a sentence. There are a few basic rules for using semi-colons.

DO use a semi-colon to:

• separate independent clauses that are not connected by a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet Love is in the air; the flowers are in bloom.
• separate the items in a list, if that list contains commas We visited Dallas, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and Naples, Florida.
• separate independent clauses connected by a transitional expression like anyway, besides, for example, and in other words (See below for a longer list) She couldn't meet him at seven; after all, she had a tennis lesson then.

Do NOT use a semi-colon to:

• introduce a list The recipe calls for these ingredients; flour, eggs, milk, and butter.
• separate a subordinate clause from the rest of the sentence Without studying; you can't expect to pass the test.
• separate an appositive (a phrase that describes a noun) from the noun it describes His favorite pastime was bocce; a game played with heavy stone balls.

Transitional words: also, anyway, besides, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, instead, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, then, therefore, thus Transitional phrases: after all, as a matter of fact, as a result, at any rate, for example, for instance, in addition, in conclusion, in fact, in other words, on the contrary, on the other hand