Semicolons

Rule #1 Use a semicolon between two independent clauses of a compound sentence when not joined by a co-ordinate conjunction such as and, but, or, for, yet. Examples: He had an idea; it was very creative. The teacher taught; the students learned.

Rule #2 Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that connects two clauses. Punctuation rules can be annoying; nevertheless, they are essential to your writing. Carlos was rich; however, he took the subway to work.

Rule #3 Use semicolons between items in a series if the items contain commas. Examples: Those attending the convention came from Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Bangor, Maine; and Los Angeles, California.

Try it! Jon prepared dinner Paula set the table. It was a clear day moreover, it was perfect for swimming. New animals in the collection include a cheetah, an okapi, and a harpy eagle from Africa a tiger, two peacocks, and a rhinoceros from India a snow leopard from Tibet and two caribou, a Kodiak bear, and an arctic fox from the Yukon.