Semicolons vs. Transitions

A semicolon connects...

• two independent clauses that are closely related ideas
• two dependent clauses that are closely related ideas

When do you use a semicolon between items in a list or series?

• only if any of the items in the list contain commas.
• anytime there is a list

_{Where does the semicolon go?}
Joe likes cake Katie likes pie

• cake;
• Katie;
• Joe;
• pie;

_{Where does the semicolon go?}
She didn’t see the other car coming now her car has a huge dent.

• other;
• coming;
• now;
• see;

_{Where does the semicolon go?}
I have finished the main course now I have to make dessert.

• finished;
• now;
• main;
• course;

_{Where does the semicolon go?}
We had too many fumbles we lost the game

• lost;
• fumbles;
• had;
• lost;

_{Where does the semicolon go?}
I had a huge meal however, I am already hungry again.

• meal;
• am;
• however;
• hungry;

_{Where does the semicolon go?} 
You need new brakes otherwise you may not be able to stop in time.

• you;
• otherwise;
• brakes;
• able;

_{Where does the semicolon go?}
Dad is going bald his hair is getting thinner and thinner.

• hair;
• bald;
• Dad;
• getting;

^{Where does the semicolon go?}
She didn’t see the other car coming now her car has a huge dent.

• see;
• her;
• huge;
• coming;