WHAT IS A SEMICOLON?
It is a punctuation mark that can be used to separate parts of a sentence that
(1) need clearer separation than would be shown by a comma; or,
(2) to separate phrases and clauses containing commas.
(3) A semicolon is most used to link, in a single sentence, two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
Example: Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil.
(4) Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
Example: There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
