Here are five things you need to know about semicolons. Use them mindfully, and see why there’s nothing semi about them. They’re Effective for Emphasis If you want to emphasize your point by reinforcing it with a similar thought, the semicolon can help you out. For example, “She never works late; only a crisis would keep her at the office past five.” They’re Best When Not Noticed Don’t let the semicolon stand out and distract the reader. Instead, slip it in where it won’t be