The Semicolon (;)

Replace a Comma/Conjunction Joining 2 Independent Clauses. Ex. –Hiram, the protagonist of Mississippi Trial, 1955, is a dynamic character; (, so) his opinions and attitudes grow over the course of the novel. Ex. –Unlike his father, Hiram enjoys being in Mississppi; (,and) he goes out of his way to spend time with his grandfather, Earl Hillburn.

Used Between 2 Independent Clauses Joined by a Conjunctive Adverb Ex. –Emmet till was well liked by both white and black people in Chicago; however, in Mississippi white people thought him arrogant and black people though he was, “too uppity”. Ex. –Hiram spent more time with his grandfather than his father, when he was growing up; as a result, he is closer to his grandfather and his way of thinking when he is a teenager.

Commonly Used Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Expressions Accordingly However Indeed Instead Meanwhile Moreover Nevertheless Therefore Furthermore Besides As a result In spite of For example In conclusion For instance In other words That is In fact

Avoids the Confusion of Too Many Commas Ex –Hiram can relate to his grandfather, Ralph Remmington, and R.C.; but he also can relate to Emmet, Ruthanne, and other African Americans. Ex –The three settings for Mississippi Trial, 1955, an historical fiction novel about the Emmett Till murder and it’s effects on the civil rights movement, are the fictional Greenwood, Mississippi; Money, Mississippi; and Tempe, Arizona.