How do you use a semicolon?

The use of semicolon

• The semicolon is used between closely related independent clauses not

joined with a coordinating conjunction (Hacker 251).

Related independent clauses in one sentence are usually connected with a

comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).

The conjunction expresses the relation between the clauses. If the

relation is clear without the conjunction, a writer may choose to connect

the clauses with a semicolon instead (Hacker 251).

Injustice is relatively easy to bear;what stings is justice.

--H.L.Mencken

A semicolon must be used whenever a coordinating conjunction has been

omitted between independent clauses.If a comma is used instead of a

semicolon, it creates a rather of run-on sentence called a comma splice.