Semi colon Usage (J)

1) Use a semi colon to join two related ICs (i.e., kissing cousins).

        Example: I ride a Harley; my friend rides a Honda.


2) Use a semi colon before a conjunctive adverb (however, moreover, thus, therefore, nevertheless, in fact, etc.), and don't forget the comma after the conjunctive adverb either!

        Example: I don't like people who pick their noses in public; nevertheless, I don't care if they dig in at home!


3) Don't use a semi colon before a subordinate conjunction.

        Wrong: Paul is not well liked; although we don't hold it against him.


4) Use a semi colon in a series with internal punctuation to divide the groupings.

        Example: We like jelly beans, cotton candy, ice cream; tuna fish, salami, and roast beef; rye bread, white bread, and pitas.  (Here the semi colons divide the sweets, the meats, and the breads.)

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