Semicolons mark a stronger separation than commas. They are commonly used in a sentence to link two or more independent clauses not joined by a conjunction. Remember that an independent clause is a whole thought or sentence that contains a subject and a verb. Use a semicolon between main clauses not joined by and, but, or another coordinating conjunction.
Examples:
- The side effects are not minor; some leave the patient quite ill.
- Don’t touch the stove; it’s hot.
- The dog buried his bone in the backyard; he returned the next day to dig it up.
- I hate salad; she loves salad.
- My father always let me go to the park when I finished my homework; my friend’s father did not.
Use a semicolon and a comma (after the conjunctive adverb) to join two closely related independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore, rather, thus, in fact, etc.).
Examples:
- Most students now use computers to print their essays; however, many still prefer to compose with pen and paper.
- Most students now use computers to print their essays; many still prefer, however, to compose with pen and paper.
- Most students now use computers to print their essays; many still prefer to compose with pen and paper, however.
- I hate salad; however, she loves salad.
- My father always let me go to the park when I finished my homework; conversely, my friend’s father did not.
