Semicolons

Avoid if possible by rephrasing your content into shorter, simpler sentences. If needed, a semicolon can be used to:

• Separate coordinate clauses that contain commas
• Separate a lengthy or complex series
• Precede then when used transitionally between clauses of a compound sentence. Avoid these other overly formal conjunctive adjectives: therefore, likewise, consequently, and accordingly.
• Separate clauses of a compound sentence that are very long or are themselves subdivided by commas.
• Separate items in a series that are long and complex.

Place semicolons and colons outside quotation marks and parentheses.