Semicolon Rules

Use a semicolon with an appropriate conjunctive adverb (transition word) to connect two complete sentences that are closely related.

Correct:  The Christ Chapel spire is in danger of falling over; however, engineers are trying to stabilize its foundation.

Incorrect: The Christ Chapel spire is in danger of falling over; however, St. Peter Transit still offers rides within town.

Use a semicolon by itself to connect two complete sentences that are very closely related.

Correct:  Religion is a very touchy subject; it may be good to avoid discussing it with strangers or new friends.

Incorrect:  Religion is a very touchy subject; many people have an opinion about it.

Use a semicolon to separate a series of phrases or clauses that have punctuation, like commas, in them.

Correct:  Axel Steuer invited three employees over for dinner:  Will Friert, a classics professor; Brian Johnson, a chaplain; and Amy Pehrson, a secretary.

Incorrect:  Axel Steuer invited three employees over for dinner:  classics professor Will Friert; chaplain Brian Johnson; and secretary Amy Pehrson.

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Writing Center Blog

Procrastination by Ethan Marxhausen

Alright now, what to write about? What to write about what to write about what to write… I could be reading right now. All of chapter six still needs doing. That would still be productive. Still reading, but I wouldn’t have to… if this is going to get done by Friday I’m going to need [...]

Hello from the new Writing Center blog! By: Rebekah Schulz and Liz Winslow

Hello from the GAC Writing Center! We hope your fall semester is off to a good start. First off, why don’t we introduce ourselves? We are Liz and Rebekah, two of the coolest people here in Confer 232. =) Ok, so maybe not. But if you want to come visit us, you can find [...]