1. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses when they are not joined by a coordinating conjunction and the ideas expressed are very closely connected.

Good English requires more than correctness; it demands clarity, precision, and smoothness.

2. Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses joined only by conjunctive adverbs (however, furthermore, nevertheless, consequently, also, besides, thus, otherwise, accordingly, hence, moreover, than, etc.)

The bill was sent to the Senate; however, it was buried there in committee.

3. Use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction if the independent clauses themselves contain commas.

The war, which was an abomination, had ended; and the battle for peace was to begin, at long last.

4. Use a semicolon to separate elements of a series when the elements themselves contain internal punctuation.

The participants came from Albany, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; and London, England.

5. Do not use a semicolon as the equivalent of a colon. Although a semicolon is often interchangeable with a period, it is never interchangeable with a colon.

6. Do not use a semicolon as the equivalent of a comma. Except for the special uses described in 3 and 4 above, the semicolon should never be used as a substitute for the comma.

7. In a typed manuscript a semicolon is followed by one space.

Colon

The Colon [ : ]

1. Use a colon before a long, formal quotation, formal statement, or list of items.

Lincoln arose and spoke as follows: "Fourscore and seven years ago . . . ."

The court's rules were simply stated: no television, no photographs, no demonstrations.

The following materials will be needed: pen, pencil, notebook, paper, and typewriter.

2. Use a colon after a main clause when the succeeding clause or clauses explain the first clause.

English usage is like table etiquette: it is conventional and its sanction is a social one.

3. Use a colon following the salutation of a formal letter. In informal letters a comma may be used.

Dear Ms. Brown:

Dear Sir:

Dear Bob,

4. Use a colon to separate chapter and verse of a Biblical citation, volume and page numbers in references, numerals designating hours and minutes, and the parts of a ratio.

Exodus 4:6

U.S. Encyclopedia 12:587

10:45 A.M.

11:10 odds

5. In a typed manuscript a colon is followed by one space.

Dash

The Dash [ — ]

1. Use a dash to indicate an abrupt break in the structure of the sentence or an unfinished statement.

He is—how shall I say it?—an officious zealot.

He said, "I am at a loss to understand—"

Note: When the dash comes at the end of the sentence, it is not followed by a period.

2. Use a dash to set off a summary or a long appositive. Behind his apparent solicitude for her health, comfort, and happiness, one motive was evident to us—his eagerness for a bequest in her will.

3. Use a dash to set off strongly parenthetical expressions. I was offended—no, enraged would be more accurate—by his actions.

4. Use a dash between numbers, dates, times, places, etc. that mark limits.

Look at pages 17—34.

Franklin lived 1706—90.

The office hours are 8:00—5:00 daily.

He will arrive on the New York—Chicago express.

5. Do not use dashes indiscriminately as a substitute for other marks of punctuation.

6. A dash is made in typing by using two hyphens with no space between them and the preceding and following words.