1. Writing Lab
Semicolons

2. Semicolon Use The main uses of the semicolon are as follows:
to separate two independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction.
to separate two independent clauses separated by a conjunctive adverb.
to separate items in a series containing internal commas.

3. Semicolon Examples
Evita didn’t rise through hard work and dedication; she found other means.
Twenty of the applicants had college degrees; however, most of them were clearly unqualified for the position.
The new SGA officers are Juan Rodriguez, president; Sharisse Brunson, secretary; and Mauldin Wittenbuer, treasurer.

4. Let’s Practice!
Writing courses sometimes focus on argumentation, there isn’t enough time in a writing course to study logic.
Correct: Writing courses sometimes focus on argumentation; there isn’t enough time in a writing course to study logic.
Educational TV is probably good for children however, it may tend to make them bored with regular classrooms.
Correct: Educational TV is probably good for children; however, it may tend to make them bored with regular classrooms.

5. Let’s Practice! cont.
Many people were inspecting the new models however few seemed to be buying.
Correct: Many people were inspecting the new models; however, few seemed to be buying.
Their road trip included stops in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Denver, Colorado, Salt Lake City, Utah, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
Correct: Their road trip included stops in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.

6. That’s all, folks!
This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series
Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson