

When the division of items becomes confusing due to multiple punctuation marks, use semicolons to distinguish between major groupings of ideas.
#Semi colol series#
Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation. Don’t use a semicolon if all it does is make your sentence longer. Sentences should be in plain language and no longer than 25 words. a comma before the last item, followed by a conjunction.
#Semi colol full#
A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc. Instead of a semicolon, it’s usually best to use either: a full stop followed by a new sentence. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. The hike will be difficult to complete, dangerous to attempt, frightening for most of us, and long and in spite of her reassurances, I don't even think we should go.ģ. The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Exception: Sometimes when independent clauses contain internal punctuation which might cause confusion, a semicolon may be used in addition to a coordinating conjunction.When coordinating conjunctions connect independent clauses, they are preceded by a comma. Transitional expressions should not be confused with the coordinating conjunctions and, but, or, not, for, so, and yet.The man pleaded innocent his face, however, looked as guilty as sin. When the transitional expression appears in the middle or at the end of the second independent clause, the semicolon goes between the clauses.That's a difficult question in other words, I'm not going to answer it. The cook's specialty is broiled salmon however, tonight it's not available.

