2. Using the Semicolon
The semicolon joins two main clauses and, therefore, has
the same force as a period.
Hilary surfs the internet; her brother surfs the Pacific.
The rule for the semicolon is simple. Whatever appears to
the left of the semicolon must be a complete sentence;
whatever appears to the right must be a complete
sentence. Usually the ideas of the 2 main sentences
are connected in some way; the semicolon, as visual
punctuation, suggests this connection and, therefore,
may be used for rhetorical effect.
3. The Semicolon & Complex Lists
A semicolon may only substitute for a comma in order to
separate elements in complex lists.
Unclear:
The company employees include Margaret, the web designer, Joe,
Mitch, two graphic designers, Lisa, and Donna a systems
analyst.
Clear:
The company employees include Margaret, the web designer; Joe;
Mitch; two graphic designers; Lisa; and Donna, a systems
analyst.
