Semicolons

Sentences that contain semicolons are often complex. Try to simplify the sentence—break it into multiple sentences or a list—to eliminate the semicolon.

Use semicolons:

• Between two independent clauses that aren't joined by a conjunction.
  Example
  Select Options; then select Automatic backups.

• Between contrasting statements that aren't joined by a conjunction.
  Example
  What’s considered powerful changes over time; today’s advanced feature might be commonplace tomorrow.

• To separate items in a series that contains commas or other punctuation. Even better, break out a complex series of items into a list.
  Examples
  In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to construct an interface; implement both single-document interface and multiple-document interface applications; implement features that until now were considered difficult, such as printing, toolbars, scrolling, splitter windows, print preview, and context-sensitive Help; and take advantage of many built-in components of the class library.

  In this tutorial, you'll learn how to:

  • Construct an interface.
  • Implement both single-document interface and multiple-document interface applications.
  • Implement features that until now were considered difficult, such as printing, toolbars, scrolling, splitter windows, print preview, and context-sensitive Help.
  • Take advantage of many built-in components of the class library.