Semicolon Rules

Punctuation marks can be very confusing for most of us. Of all the punctuation marks, the semicolon is the most misused punctuation in the English language. Based on the usage of semicolons, people can be divided into two categories. The first category are people who liberally use a semicolon in their writing, while the second category are those who avoid the usage of semicolon all together in their writing, due to the fear of using them incorrectly. Do you want to know which category I belong to? Naturally the second. However, I have now come to realize that using semicolon is not difficult once you master the rules for use of semicolon.

Semicolon Rules and Examples

Rules for semicolon usage need to be well understood, and let me tell you, I did not find them difficult at all. I have put up the rules for using a semicolon on the soft board near my desk, and with this I am able to revise them at regular intervals, which has helped me master the rules.

Rule # 1
A semicolon is to be use in place of a period, in order to separate two clauses or sentences, where the conjunction has been left out.

Example:

1. She will call me tomorrow; I will give her my answer then.
2. Ann went to the supermarket; she forgot to buy bread and cheese

Rule # 2
Semicolon should be used with a conjunctive adverb and a comma to clarify the relationship between two closely related complete sentences. The conjunctive adverbs are however, therefore, in addition, moreover, subsequently, consequently, instead and additionally.

Example:

1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is in danger of falling down; however, work is in progress to stabilize its foundation.
2. The Company respects the abilities of all its people; therefore, employees from all the departments will participate in the decision-making process

Rule # 3
Semicolon can be used to separate a long list of items, especially if the items have been separated using commas. It helps in making the long list of items clearer.

Example:

1. To study Spanish you need to practice vocabulary and phrases; listen to lots of examples of good Spanish that is your level; practice speaking with native speakers.
2. I want to visit Honolulu, Hawaii; New York City, New York or San Diego, California.

Rule # 4
Using semicolon before introductory adverbs bring a lot more sense to the whole sentence. The introductory words include for example, for instance, etc. Using semicolon before these words help to keep the sentences connected. However, you will have to be careful while using this rule, as its usage is not widespread.

Example:

1. I am very fond of Italian food; for example, spaghetti, pizza and calzones.
2. For the camp, you need to bring camping supplies; for instance, a camping stove, gloves, a tent and some food.

Rule # 5
Semicolon is used to separate independent clauses, which are joined by a conjunction, if either of the independent clauses contains a comma.

Example:

1. I got lost outside London this summer; I got yelled at by my wife, laughed at by my son, and chided by my colleagues.

After reading the semicolon rules, make sure you do not overuse or underuse semicolon. Actually semicolons can be well compared with spices, just as spices complement the main ingredients of a dish, semicolons should complement your writing, but not over power it. When semicolons are used appropriately, they add variety to your writing as well as increased readability to writing.