Name: _________________________
Semi-Colon Notes
Semi-colons are used in a few different ways. The following is a list of common semi-colon uses.
- Use semi-colons to separate independent clauses that are closely related in theme.
Example: Jane drove to Phoenix to visit her parents her parents’ dog had to go to the vet.
- Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
- Tom earned his bachelor’s degree last summer his sister earned hers in the fall.
- Use semi-colons before transitional adverbs and phrases when separating independent clauses.
Example: Philip is studying engineering; however, he is also interested in pursuing a degree in music education.
- I appreciate your hard work. In this case however you seem to have over-exerted yourself.
- Cindy has published several novels in addition she has published a volume of poetry.
- Angela fell and injured her leg last month nevertheless she was able to compete in the race today.
- Jim has always been an exceptionally hard worker moreover his coworkers have nominated him for employee of the month seven times.
- Use semi-colons in the place of commas when items of in a list already include internal commas.
Example: I have lived in Lawton, Oklahoma; Arlington, Texas; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Kansas City, Missouri.
- Speakers at the forum include Steven Yates Ph.D Marion Williams MD and Eunice Barrow MA.
- What do July 4 1776 July 14 1789 and October 25 1917 all have in common?