Isaac is a champion discus thrower; he holds the state record. (This is
an acceptable use of the semicolon.)
Isaac is a champion discus thrower; his dad is a baker. (This is an
unacceptable use of the semicolon.)
The concert was not just good; it was fantastic! (This is acceptable.)
2. Use a semicolon between a compound sentence’s clauses that are joined
by certain transitional words. Use a comma after these transitional
words and phrases. See the sample sentences below.
| accordingly | in other words | as a result | indeed | besides | instead | consequently | meanwhile | for example | moreover | for instance | nevertheless | furthermore | otherwise | however | that is | in fact | therefore |
The new tools are great; besides, they were perfect gifts for Dad.
Your dance score was one of the highest in this early competition;
consequently, you will now move on to the next round.
3. Use a semicolon between items in a series—if the items in that series
contain commas.
This movie’s special people include Missy Swit, lead; Kate Lewis, director;
Morty Mulis, producer; and Freida Ling, cinematographer.
4. To eliminate confusion, use a semicolon before the coordinating conjunction
that joins two independent clauses.
At the beach we collected shells, wood, and seaweed; and then we
barbequed, walked the shore, and made a campfire.