English
Guidelines for Using Semicolons

• Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that separates two independent clauses; eg., Business writing should be clear and concise; therefore, all wordiness should be eliminated.
• Use a semicolon to separate closely related independent clauses when no conjunctive adverb is used; eg., Bond interest payments are tax deductible; dividend payments are not.
• Normally, a comma precedes and, or, and but when those conjunctions join independent clauses.  However, if either clause contains commas, change the comma preceding the conjunction to a semicolon to ensure correct reading; eg., If you arrive on time, you will be let into the theatre; but ticket sales close precisely at 8:00 p.m.
• Use semicolons to separate items in a series when one or more of the items contain internal commas; eg., Teachers from Victoria, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; and Regina, Saskatchewan, attended the workshop.
• Use a semicolon when an introductory expression such as namely, for instance, that is, and for example introduces a list following an independent clause; eg., A student researching for a report should consult many sources; namely, books, periodicals, government publications, and newspapers.