1. By: Ethan E. and Rob D.

2. Independent Clauses Use semicolons to join two related independent clauses when the clauses are not joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction. Semicolons are placed out side quotation marks Example Philip had completed the assignment; Lucy had not.

3. Independent clauses with transitional expressions When a transitional expression appears between two clauses, it is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma. Example Sheila had to wait until the plumber arrived; consequently, she was late for the exam.

4. Items in a series or clauses that contain commas Use a semicolon for clarity in a sentence with a lot of elements Semicolon helps readers locate the clauses when the clauses already contain internal commas. Example The committee included Dr. Cutis Youngblood, the county medical examiner; Roberta Collingwood, the director of bureau’s criminal division; Darcy Coolidge, the chief of police.

5. Common errors Watch joining a dependant clause or phrase to an independent clause Example Professional writers need to devote time every day to their writing;,although doing so takes discipline.

6. Common errors Watch joining independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction(and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet): if these clauses contain commas, a semicolon is acceptable Example Nineteenth-century women wore colorful clothes;,but their clothes often look dull in the black-and-white photographs of the era.

7. Common errors Introducing a series, an explanation, or a quotation: a colon should usually be used. Example The doctor finally diagnosed the problem; : a severe sinus infection.

8. Test T/F -Is the semicolon used correctly Magnolias bloom in the early spring; daffodils blossom at the same time. My friends are all taking golf lessons, my roommate and I; however, are more interested in tennis. Seeming tame and lovable; housecats can actually be fierce hunters Boyd warns of the difficulty on describing Bach; “Even his physical appearance largely eludes us.” Police department heads are Devin Blazer, the police chief; David Glass, the sergeant; and Mike King, the detective.