Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.
Rules for Using Semicolons:
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
Avoid using a comma when a semicolon is needed:
What’s going on here?
Incorrect: I like cows, however, I hate the way they smell.
Correct: I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell.
Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
Incorrect: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef, which also tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.
Correct: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good; they give us beef, which also tastes good; and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
Incorrect: I like cows, however, I hate the way they smell.
Correct: I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell.