SC Rule 1: Semicolon No Conjunction (NC)

Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses that are joined without a conjunction.

For example:

Comma Conjunction: Al went to the store, but he forgot to buy bread. (CONJ

Semicolon No Conjunction: Al went to the store; he forgot to buy bread. (NC)

Period: Al went to the store. He forgot to buy bread.

SC Rule 2: Semicolon Bridge (BR)

Place a semicolon before and a comma after an adverbial conjunction that acts as a bridge between two independent clauses.

For example:

Comma PAR: Bob, however, will determine the fees.

Instead, the semicolon bridge rule involves two complete sentences, with an adverbial conjunction providing a bridge or transition between the two:

Semicolon BR: Bob will determine the fees; however, he is open to suggestions.

SC Rule 3: Semicolon Because of Comma (BC)

When a clause needs major and minor separations, use semicolons for major breaks and commas for minor breaks.

For example:

Semicolon BC: Joni will travel to Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Boston, Massachusetts.

Since the state names need commas around them, reading the above sentence without semicolons would be confusing:

Incorrect: Joni will travel to Dallas, Texas, Buffalo, New York, and Boston, Massachusetts.