APS House Style :: Punctuation

Semicolons

Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses when they are long and/or when one of the clauses has internal punctuation.

When to Use a Semicolon

To separate complete sentences not joined by a coordinating conjunction ("and" or "but").

To separate information in a list (number or unnumbered) where the elements contain internal punctuation. For example "The tomatoes wilted; the beans, which had been planted early, died in August; and the peppers, a late variety, bore no fruit."

When Not to Use a Semicolon

In a simple series enumeration with little or no internal punctuation (use commas instead).