Semicolons

Use a semicolon to link two independent clauses that are logically related. This means that a period could be used instead of the semicolon to separate the two sentences; however, the semicolon is preferred for logical linkage of ideas. Many times a conjunctive adverb (followed by a comma) such as consequently, however, therefore, furthermore, is used to signal the logical relationship. For example:

Some of the men in the chapter spend a half-hour on the risers; other members spent a half-hour in vowel matching.
In the second number of our contest set, the back section of risers collapsed; consequently, we were given the opportunity to perform again after they were repaired.

In one situation, an editor should use a semicolon to join two word segments that are not independent clauses. If the sentence construction features a list requiring a number of commas that would be confusing to follow, it is permissible to use a semicolon as the main unit of separation. Here's an example:

Several Barbershoppers from our district attended Harmony College: Joe Williams, Lockport Chapter; Eddie Haskell, Delavor Chapter; Mickey Mounce, Dixon Chapter; and William Scoth, Tiskawa Chapter.

Using semicolons to separate the four individuals' names and chapters is a clearer way to present the information. An even simpler method is construct a table:

Several Barbershoppers from our district attended Harmony College:

Joe Williams, Lockport Chapter
Eddie Haskell, Delavor Chapter
Mickey Mounce, Dixon Chapter
William Scoth, Tiskawa Chapter

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