1. TAKE FIVE: Punctuation Test Tips
1: You can connect 2 independent clauses in 3 different ways, depending on what words are between them:
No word? Use a semicolon. I went to the store; she drove to the mall.
Shorter conjunction (and, but, or, so)? Use a comma. I went to the store, and she drove to the mall.
Longer conjunctive adverb (however, therefore)? Use a semicolon before and a comma after. I went to the store; however, she drove to the mall.
2: There are only 3 semicolon rules:
Connect 2 independent clauses with no words in between
Connect 2 independent clauses with an adverb like “however”
Separate items that already use commas in a list or series
What this means: If you’re not connecting independent clauses or breaking up items with commas in a list … don’t use a semicolon!