Semicolons

1. Semicolons WRITING LAB MINI-LESSON #95

2. 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; • and to separate items in a series containing internal commas.

3. 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. • 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. • Educational TV is probably good for children; however, it may tend to make them bored with regular classrooms.

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