Semicolons Not just for making winking faces ;

Some people love semicolons Lewis Thomas, author of The Medusa and the Snail, said: “It is almost always a greater pleasure to come across a semicolon than a period. The period tells you that that is that; if you didn't get all the meaning you wanted or expected, anyway you got all the writer intended to parcel out and now you have to move along. But with a semicolon there you get a pleasant little feeling of expectancy; there is more to come; to read on; it will get clearer.”

Some people hate semicolons Author Kurt Vonnegut said: “Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: Do not use semicolons... All they do is show you've been to college.”

Semicolons have a past Semicolons were first printed in Modern use of semicolons comes from Ben Johnson. Semicolons are used in lists and to relate two closely related independent clauses. Sometimes, semicolons are used with a conjunctive adverb.

How to use a semicolon to join clauses Whenever you have two independent clauses that are closely related, you can join them together with a semicolon.  Example: The Twist Cone has the best treats ; chocolate milkshakes are my favorite dessert.  My friend was feeling sick ; I walked her to the nurse’s office.  He lives near the beach ; the salty air is making his car rust.

How to use a semicolon in a list Whenever you have a list of items in a sentence that contains commas, you must use a semicolon between the items.  Example: The following people are running for office: Susie Doe, county commissioner ; Ryan Doe, city councilman ; Juan Lopez, state’s attorney ; and Shannon Johnson, sheriff's deputy.  The three color combinations for the house are red, beige, and green ; blue, white, and yellow ; or brown, blue, and red.

Semicolons and conjunctive adverbs These are NOT FANBOYS or coordinating conjunctions. Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs used to connect ideas.  Common conjunctive adverbs: accordingly, also, nevertheless, meanwhile, moreover, finally, still, likewise, and therefore. Example: The dark skies and distant thunder dissuaded Clarice from her afternoon run ; moreover, she had thirty calculus problems to solve for her morning class. Anna called to say her car would not start. Rafael will therefore have to walk to school. But, Anna called to say her car would not start ; therefore, Rafael will have to walk to school.

A comma is used because there’s a but separating the two clauses.

Semicolons in action In a list: I went to Minneapolis, Minnesota; Omaha, Nebraska; Fargo, North Dakota; and Orlando, Florida. Joining two independent clauses: It’s going to rain today; make sure you bring an umbrella to the park. Joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb: Leon's apartment complex does not allow dogs over thirty pounds; otherwise, he would have adopted the gangly Great Dane puppy from the shelter.