How do you use a semicolon?

The use of semicolon

• The semicolon is used to separate major sentence elements of equal grammatical lengths (Hacker 250).
• 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 kind of run-on sentence called a comma splice.