Semicolon RulesSemicolon Rules

Rule 1.Rule 1. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two

sentences where the conjunction has been left out. sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Examples: Examples: Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then. Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then. I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect all the I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect all the

privileges listed in the contract.privileges listed in the contract.

Semicolon RulesSemicolon Rules

Rule 2.Rule 2. It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory

words such as words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g.,i.e., for example, e.g., or or for instancefor instance when they when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.use a comma after the introductory word.

Examples:Examples: You will want to bring many backpacking items; for You will want to bring many backpacking items; for

example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.make the trip better.

As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.

Semicolon RulesSemicolon Rules

Rule 3.Rule 3. Use either a semicolon Use either a semicolon oror a comma before a comma before

introductory words such as introductory words such as namely, however, namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., oror for for instance instance when they introduce a list following a when they introduce a list following a complete sentence. Use a comma after the complete sentence. Use a comma after the introductory word. introductory word.

Examples:Examples: You will want to bring many backpacking items; for You will want to bring many backpacking items; for

example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing. You will want to bring many backpacking items, for You will want to bring many backpacking items, for

example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

Semicolon RulesSemicolon Rules

Rule 4.Rule 4. Use the semicolon to separate units of a series Use the semicolon to separate units of a series

when one or more of the units contain when one or more of the units contain commas. commas.

Example:Example: This conference has people who have come This conference has people who have come

from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.and Nashville, Tennessee.

Semicolon RulesSemicolon Rules

Rule 5.Rule 5. Use the semicolon between two sentences Use the semicolon between two sentences

joined by a coordinating conjunction when one joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence. or more commas appear in the first sentence.

Examples:Examples: When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; When I finish here, I will be glad to help you;

and that is a promise I will keep.and that is a promise I will keep. If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her

husband is able, he will be there to see her.husband is able, he will be there to see her.