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In writing, it may be surprising to even those that write but to realize the power of "the scintillating, seductive, and saving power of semi-colons". I have actually discovered that many people seldom use semi-colons correctly. Instead, it seems to be a habit for them to insert them at will or randomly, or even not to insert them at all.

Semi-colons are used to mark a pause longer than a comma and shorter than a full stop in effect. The most important thing is to understand the rules and situations in using them as a first step.

Semi-Colon Rules:

1. Use a semi-colon in place of the comma and conjunction to join two independent clauses.

Example: I drive a sports car; James drove a family car.

2. Use a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb (such as however and therefore) that joins two independent clauses. Be sure to put a comma after the conjunctive adverb.

Example: I like playing sports and games; however, I also enjoy shopping.

3. Use semi-colons to separate elements in a series if they contain internal punctuation.

Example: On his fishing trip, Jeff caught rainbow, brook, and lake trout; large-mouth, small mouth, and white bass; and a few northern pike.

Learn more about this author, Lyndon W.
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