error · Section 8: Punctuation and word count
Rule 8.1: Do not use the semicolon
You can use all standard English punctuation marks except the semicolon (;). Where a semicolon would normally join two related independent clauses, write two separate sentences instead.
What a checker looks for
A clear deviation from the rule.
- Flag every semicolon (;) that occurs in author-written text, regardless of whether it joins two independent clauses, appears in a list item, a fragment, a heading, or any other construction — the standard prohibits the semicolon outright, not only the clause-joining use.
- Treat every flagged semicolon as a hard violation regardless of how closely related the two clauses are.
What this rule does not cover
- A semicolon that appears inside immutable reproduced text that must not be altered (e.g. a verbatim title, placard, or label text — see rule 8.6) is not a violation of this rule.
- This exception is narrow: it does not extend to ordinary author-written quotations or paraphrased quoted speech — those remain subject to the semicolon prohibition like any other author-written text.
How to fix it
Split the sentence at the semicolon into two separate, complete sentences, each ending with its own period. Adjust wording as needed so each half is a grammatically complete, standalone sentence.
Constraints on the fix
- Do not replace the semicolon with a comma to form a comma splice.
- Do not merge the two clauses back into one sentence with a conjunction unless the result still obeys the applicable sentence word-count limit.
Examples
Not STE: Examine the removed parts; replace the damaged ones.
STE: (1) Examine the removed parts for damage. (2) Replace the damaged part(s).
Not STE: The battery is not user-replaceable; it can only be replaced by an approved service station.
STE: Users cannot replace the battery. Only specialists at approved service stations can replace it.
Where this fits in AI governance
A rule a checker can test is a rule a model can be held to. The same discipline, on the governance side of this site.
- Testing AI systems
Word counting is specified precisely so that a length limit is a test rather than an opinion. - AI system monitoring and logging
Counted deviations per document, over time, are the monitoring metric this section makes possible. - Output validation guardrails
A controlled language is a checkable output constraint. This is the control that treats model output as something to be checked rather than trusted.
Source
ASD-STE100 Issue 9, Section 8 - Punctuation and word count, page 1-8-2.
This page is commentary and does not reproduce the standard. About this rule pack.