P3-a Use a semicolon to join independent clauses if the second clause restates or sets up a contrast to the first.

Printed Page H-58

P3-a Use a semicolon to join independent clauses if the second clause restates or sets up a contrast to the first.

independent clause A word group with a subject and a predicate that can stand alone as a separate sentence.

Printed Page H-58

Although two independent clauses could be separated by a period, the semicolon tells the reader that they are closely related, emphasizing the restatement or sharpening the contrast.

image

Note: When the independent clauses are linked by and, but, or another coordinating conjunction, use a comma rather than a semicolon (see P1-a) unless the independent clauses include internal punctuation (see P3-c).