Semicolons

Using Semicolons to Join Independent Clauses We explored the attic together; we were amazed at all the useless junk we found there. Use a semicolon to join related independent clauses that are not joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

Using Semicolons to Join Independent Clauses The birds vanished; the sky grew dark; the little pond was still. Use a semicolon when a sentence contains three or more related independent clauses

Using Semicolons to Avoid Confusion The city, supposedly filled with gold, was a fable; and the hungry, tired explorers would only find it in their dreams. (independent clauses) On their trip, my parents visited my aunt, who lives in Grand Rapids; my brother, who lives in Indianapolis; and our former neighbors, the Garcias, who live in Chicago. (Items in a series) I sent notes to Mr. Nelson, my science teacher; Mrs. Jensen, my history instructor; and Mrs. Seltz, the librarian. (Appositives) When the items in a series already contain several commas, semicolons can be used to group items that belong together. Semicolons are placed at the end of all but the last complete item in the series.