Avoid common misuses of the semicolon - The semicolon - Punctuation

Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Avoid common misuses of the semicolon
The semicolon
Punctuation

Do not use a semicolon in the following situations.

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EXCEPTIONS: If one or both of the independent clauses contain a comma, you may use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction between the clauses.

EXERCISE 35-1

Edit the following sentences to correct errors in the use of the comma and the semicolon. If a sentence is correct, write “correct” after it. Answers appear in the back of the book.

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a. Strong black coffee will not sober you up, the truth is that time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system.

b. Margaret was not surprised to see hail and vivid lightning, conditions had been right for violent weather all day.

c. There is often a fine line between right and wrong; good and bad; truth and deception.

d. My mom always says that you can’t learn common sense; either you’re born with it or you’re not.

e. Severe, unremitting pain is a ravaging force; especially when the patient tries to hide it from others.