1. You are copying down everything in red
Semicolons
You are copying down everything in red

2. Rule #1: Use a semi-colon in place of the comma and conjunction to separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence
Example 1: Mary likes the green shirt; Tom likes the yellow shirt.
Example 2: I like to read I like to work in my garden also.
Example 3: She is from Texas Kevin is from New York.
Example 4: The weather is nice outside it will be cold tomorrow.

3. Rule #2: Use a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb (like “however” and “therefore”) that joins two independent clauses.
Example 1: My favorite fruit is bananas; however, I like apples too.
Remember: You also put a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
Example 2: I went to the movies with my friend this weekend therefore I spent all my money for the week.
Example 3: I have always liked to spend time with my family nevertheless it is a good feeling to be home.

4. Rule # 3: Use semi-colons to separate elements in a series if they contain internal punctuation.
Example 1: On his fishing trip, Jeff caught rainbow, brook, and lake trout; large-mouth, small-mouth, and white bass; and a few northern pike.
Example 2: The teacher graded papers, vocabulary, and bellwork for the 9th graders projects, essays, and tests for the 10th graders and book reports, journals, and quizzes for the 11th graders.