Semicolons are tricky. They are often used to connect clauses rather than keeping independent clauses. It's a good rule of thumb to avoid using semicolons in media writing. It is often more effective to use a coordinating conjunction and a comma because it gives more specific direction to the reader that the two clauses connect ideas.
In the above excerpt, we see the incorrect use of a semicolon. In this sentence, it is used to join two independent clauses. The problem is that the two independent clauses have no relation. The semicolon complicates the meaning of the sentence and doesn't offer the reader any additional clarity.
In this sentence, the two independent clauses should stand alone. "Troy Craughwell Elementary School will celebrate the day with the posting of colors by representatives of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Veterans of relatives of staff and students have also been invited to attend school for the day."
The use of semicolon does not offer any clarification about the colors that will be post or the representatives from Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Separating the two clauses clarifies to readers that colors will be posted in the school by representatives from Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, and veterans of staff and students will attend school for the day.
The full article can be found in the Nov. 8 issue of Joliet's Herald-News.
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