SEMICOLON Indicates a pause that is more pronounced than indicated by a comma. Separates independent clauses Clarifies meaning in situations where excessive punctuation is being used. ;

RULE 1 Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses that are joined without a conjunction. Al went to the store, but he forgot to buy bread. Al went to the store; he forgot to buy bread. Tomorrow is a giant sale at the mall, so Elizabeth is planning on taking advantage of the deals. Tomorrow is a giant sale at the mall; Elizabeth is planning on taking advantage of the deals.

RULE 2 Place a semicolon before (and a comma after) an adverbial conjunction (however, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, as a result, otherwise, besides, etc.) that acts as a bridge between two independent clauses. Bob will choose the menu; however, he is open to suggestions. Mary failed her entrance exams; therefore, her college career has been put on delay.

RULE 3 When a clause needs major and minor separations, use semicolons for major breaks and commas for minor breaks. Joni will travel to Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Boston, Massachusetts. My siblings birthdates are September 1st, 1982; November 17th, 1984; and January 22nd, 1988.

Rule 4 When you have a series within a series, you change the outer commas to semi-colons. Alex traveled to Rome, Istanbul, and Cairo; visited his grandparents, cousins, and college friends; and learned new languages, tried new foods, and shopped at all the stores. I want you to crack, beat, and scramble the eggs; slice, toast, and butter the bread; and frost, cut, and serve the cake.

Try It Out Many companies make low-fat foods; these foods contain less than five percent of fat per serving. Many companies make low-fat foods these foods contain less than five percent of fat per serving. While I was at home this weekend, I played Double Dragon 3 Final Fantasy 7 and Mega Man 2 watched How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory and Grey’s Anatomy and ordered Chinese Indian and Mediterranean takeout. The weeds in my yard are very green unfortunately the grass is brown and dying. The best days of my life have been January 3 2000 March 26 2007 and December 25 1979. While I was at home this weekend, I played Double Dragon 3, Final Fantasy 7, and Mega Man 2 ; watched How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, and Grey’s Anatomy ; and ordered Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean takeout. The weeds in my yard are very green ; unfortunately, the grass is brown and dying. The best days of my life have been January 3, 2000; March 26, 2007; and December 25, 1979.