This document provides information on the proper usage of semicolons. It notes that semicolons can be used between two independent clauses or items of equal grammatical rank that are not joined by a conjunction. Examples are given of using semicolons between independent clauses and items in a series. The document also discusses not misusing semicolons, such as between a dependent clause and independent clause. Overall, the document offers guidance on when semicolons are appropriately used in writing.

1. Semicolons!
● ”With educated people, I suppose,
punctuation is a matter of rule; with me it is
a matter of feeling. But I must say I have a
great respect for the semicolon; it’s a
useful little chap.” <--Abraham Lincoln
● Semicolons are a secondary divider. They
give you options.
● Semicolons are used between two items of
equal grammatical rank not already joined
with a coordinating conjunction. They will
be joined by a transitional expression.

2. Semicolons!!
● Two independent clauses, two phrases,
etc. Test your usage by placing a period
between them.
● The train ride is three days; by flight it takes
eight hours.
● Many baseball players make it to the majors
via hard work; however, he found other
means.

3. Independent Clauses!
● Use a semicolon between related
independent clauses that offer contrasting
or parellel information that do not have a
coordinating conjunction.
● Paul Revere's The Boston Massacre is
traditional American protest art; Edward
Hick's paintings are socially conscious art
with a religious strain.

4. Run On Sentences (An Intro)
● We will talk about this later in the month, but
using only a comma or no punctuation
between independent clauses will create a
run on sentence (specifically a comma
splice).
● The sun is high, put on some sunblock.
(comma splice)

5. Independent Clauses With
Transitional Words
● Use a semicolon before a transitional
word or phrase to join two independent
clauses.
● The transition will normally be followed by
a comma.
● Thomas Jefferson brought two hundred
vanilla beans and a recipe for vanilla ice
cream back from France; thus, he gave
America its all-time favorite ice cream flavor.
● (that's true)

6. ● Pause.
● Take a breath.
● Questions?

7. Items In A Series!
● As you'll recall from our discussion of
commas, if there are already commas in
the list of elements you will add
semicolons.
● Laramie, Wyoming; Wyoming, Deleware;
and Delaware, Ohio, were three of the
places they visited.

8. Don't Misuse Semicolons!
● Semicolons should be used for our good.
Here are some common misuses:
● Between a dependent clause and the rest
of the sentence (use a comma!)
● Introducing a list [use a colon! (stay tuned!)]
● Between two independent clauses joined
by coordinating conjunctions (use a
comma!)
● Do not use a semicolon to introduce a
quote.

9. Colons!
● Colons are used to introduce a series of
elements. According to Strunk & White, they
have ”more effect than the comma, less
power to separate than the semicolon” (7-8)
● It will be precedded by a complete sentence
● Waiting tables requires three skills: Memory,
speed, and balance.
● Colons will also be used to introduce
explanatory material.
● She had one dream: To play professional
basketball.

10. Supplemental Material
● Grammar Girl on semicolons.