This document defines and provides examples of how to use semicolons. It explains that semicolons can be used to connect two closely related sentences or for complicated lists. Some key uses include joining main clauses that are related in meaning, introducing a series of directions or a list, and separating items in a list that already contain commas. The document recommends limiting semicolon use and not capitalizing the word after the semicolon unless it is a proper noun.

2. The following definitions and examples are
from ChompChomp.com.
Grammar Bytes!
Grammar Instruction with Attitude
©1997 - 2007 by Robin L. Simmons
All Rights Reserved.

3.  Connect two RELATED sentences.
Here is an example: My mom is a very kind
hearted person; she volunteers at a local
homeless shelter every week.

4.  Use for complicated lists of items.
Read the following example: On a Harley
motorcycle, my grandmother and her poodle
have traveled to Anchorage, Alaska; San
Francisco, California; and Tijuana, Mexico.

5. Keep these three things in mind when you use a
semicolon:
1.
The two main clauses that the semicolon joins
should be closely related in meaning.
2.
Don't capitalize the word that follows the
semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one
that is always capitalized.
3.
Limit your use of semicolons

6. Thanks to OWL,
the Online Writing Lab from Purdue University,
for the following information.

7. After a complete statement in order to
introduce one or more directly related ideas,
such as:
 A series of directions
 A list

8.  When you complete your homework, please
:
do the following take out your book, open to
the last page you left off, and begin to read.

9.  The daily newspaper contains four sections
news, sports, entertainment, and classified
ads.
:

10. 
The daily newspaper contains four sections
news, sports, entertainment, and classified
ads.
: