H-58

Use semicolons to join closely related independent clauses and to make long sentences with commas easier to read.

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

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.

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).

P3-b Use semicolons to separate items in a series when they include internal commas.

Because the reader expects items in a series to be separated by commas, other commas within items can be confusing. The solution is to leave the internal commas as they are but to use a stronger mark, the semicolon, to signal the divisions between items.

P3-c Use a semicolon to join a series of independent clauses when they include other punctuation.

When independent clauses include elements set off by internal punctuation, use semicolons between them if other punctuation may confuse a reader or make the sentence parts difficult to identify.

P3-d Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses when the second clause contains a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.

Because a semicolon shows a strong relationship between independent clauses, writers often use it to reinforce the connection expressed by the adverb or transition.

P3-e Omit a semicolon used incorrectly to replace a comma or another punctuation mark.

H-59

Take care not to use semicolons in place of other punctuation.

Replace a semicolon with a comma to link an independent clause to a phrase or to set off an appositive.

Replace a semicolon with a comma to join two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction.

(See also P1-a.)

Replace a semicolon with a colon to introduce a list.

Note: For introducing an in-text list as in this example, a dash (see P5-b) is a less formal and more dramatic alternative to the colon (see P4-a).