Semicolons are, without regards to proportionality, even more commonly blundered than the comma. They are in many ways a mystery to the average person and, as a result, are as frequently avoided as they are misused. Why? Well, why bother with using something that you are unsure of how to use? Fear Not!!! The rules surrounding the proper usage of the semicolon are few and simple. Semicolons are actually very easy to employ properly, and ultimately, they are as integral a part of writing as commas or periods.

Semicolon: “The semicolon is used between independent clauses NOT joined by a coordinating conjunction. It can also be used between items in a series containing internal punctuation. The semicolon is never used between elements of equal grammatical rank.

1) Between independent clauses is basically the same as The Mighty Comma—Rule 4, but in the case of the semicolon, you leave out the coordinating conjunction (remember them…and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet). This will, in a nutshell, give you two separate sentences structurally. The second, or later, clause must always be lesser in grammatical rank; in other words, it must add to the first clause. In place of the coordinating conjunction, just slip in a semicolon.

Examples: The winds pulled hard down the neck of the river canyon; tiny boats lifted and rocked in their wake.

She ran hard through the night just a few paces ahead of his breath; she knew he would soon fall behind.

“He swallowed a lot of wisdom; however, it seemed as if all of it had gone down the wrong way”

*Note: This will only work if the coordinating conjunction is unnecessary, but this often becomes a question of tone and taste—how you want it to sound. DO NOT overdo the semicolon in a paper though, use your semicolons like you would a nice pair of leather shoes (or something)—don’t wear them with shorts out hiking or, generally, only wear them when the occasion calls. Apply this same logic to semicolons—only when appropriate or only when sneakers (commas and coordinating conjunctions) just won’t do.

2) The next way to use a semicolon is the less frequently used, yet more commonly needed. This is in the instance when you have items in a series, and these items contain internal punctuation. In this case, you should use a semicolon to replace the comma in the larger series and retain the commas used in the internal punctuation.

Examples: “The only sensible ends of literature are first the pleasurable toil of writing; second, the gratification of one’s family and friends; and lastly, the solid cash.”

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

How many times have I said this—stop off at the store and buy some ham, q-tips, and beats; go by Marvin’s and get us some stuff and things; then, on your way home, grab that movie with that guy in it that drives that truck.

(…or something like that)