WRITING LESSON: Semicolons

* to join two independent clauses

Use a semicolon to join two or more closely related independent clauses that are not connected with a coordinating conjunction. (Remember: independent clauses can stand along as separate sentences.)

a. I did not call myself a poet; I told people I wrote poems.

b. Silence coated the room like a layer of tar; not even the breathing of the jury made any sound.

* with conjunctive adverbs

A semicolon is used before a conjunctive adverb (and a comma after it) when the word connects two independent clauses in a compound sentence. (Common conjunctive adverbs are:

also, besides, finally, however, indeed, instead, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, still, then, and therefore. Note: These are also known as "transitions".)

a. I am faced with imminent death; therefore, life is becoming a very precious thing.

b. We first climbed to the summit of Carter Notch; next, we climbed Carter Dome and sprawled in exhaustion at the top.