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Using semi-colons properly adds power, energy, and sophistication to your writing. It can increase the efficiency with which you use words, while saving you from run-ons, comma splices, and sentence fragments. Learn to use semi-colons correctly. They are functional as well as fun! The Helium writing community shared their wisdom about semi-colons in a Writing Workshop discussion during late January of 2007.

1. Semi-colons highlight and link two sentences that are closely related. The sentence preceding and following the semi-colon must EACH have a subject (noun) and predicate (verb); each part must form a grammatically complete sentence. The second part of a sentence with a semi-colon elaborates more extensively or provides colorful details that reveal more about the topic introduced in the first part of the sentence (that which precedes the semi-colon).

But semi-colons are more than merely functional. Like many distinctive characters on the punctuation squad, semi-colons can be used creatively as well. They provide a way to add information tersely. They expand opportunities for adding details or qualifiers. They enhance the rhythm and pace of the prose in a piece. They help isolate and accentuate information or expressive details.

Eg. Squeezing oranges for the pork roast settled her nerves; she felt the day's tensions release like so many toxic droplets oozing from her pulsating bloodstream.

Eg. Busy at work, he forgot his hair cut appointment; a nasty phone message from his hairdresser reminded him of his oversight.

2. Semi-colons often work well when using transitional words such as: however, moreover, on the other hand, nevertheless, instead, also, therefore, consequently, otherwise, as a result .

Eg. Afflicted by aqua phobia, he approached the water with trepidation; nevertheless, he pushed forward tenaciously, because he was determined to overcome this debilitating fear.

3. Semi-colons help sort complicated lists. While commas can be used handily with smaller sequence clusters, larger phrases clustered in sequence may become more distinct if semi-colons separate the listed items. In situations where the phrases include commas, semi-colons are essential.

Eg. She packed compulsively for her upcoming journey across town: Her trustworthy laptop in a torn leather case; seven bags of food destined for the local shelter; and 13 different squeaky toys for her precious pet.

Eg. We visited St. Louis, MO; Chicago, IL; and New York, NY.

4. And how do semi-colons save?

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