Commas vs Semicolons

Use commas...

1. to separate independent clauses when they are joined by coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

2. after introductory words, phrases, or clauses.   in the middle of a sentence to set off words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

3. to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

4. to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.

5. to set off all geographical names, items in dates, and titles in names.

6. to shift between the main discourse and a quotation

Use a semicolon...

1. when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words

2. when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc​

​When linking independent clauses without connecting words.

EXAMPLE:

It was snowing outside; Laura decided to go skiing.​

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It was snowing outside. = independent clause

Laura decided to go skiing. = independent clause​

When you join two independent clauses with one of these conjunctive adverb: however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless.

EXAMPLE:

It was snowing outside; therefore, Laura decided to go skiing.

​

It was snowing outside. = independent clause

Laura decided to go skiing. = independent clause

therefore = conjunctive adverb ​

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​IMPORTANT:

When you use a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb, the adverb MUST be followed by a comma.

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EXAMPLE:

​; therefore,

; however,

; thus, ​

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

conjunctive adverbs: however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.

Semicolon

coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet

​Comma