Learn English – Use of semi colon in a list with only one “complex item”

clauseslistsmodifierssemicolon

I have a list that goes something like this:

I am involved in all aspects of these projects: attending client meetings, material selection, compiling information, and most importantly, redesigning entire wings of the schools every time a stakeholder changes their mind.

I am not sure what to do for that last bit beginning with ", and most importantly,"
If each item of the list had a "modifying clause" (is that what you'd call it?), I would use semicolons throughout. But since the last item is the only one with a comma, do I still need to use the semi-colon? Does the semi-colon get used only at the beginning of that item, i.e. "; and most importantly,"? And if so, why?

Thank you.

Best Answer

From the online Chicago Manual of Style - 6.58 Semicolons in a complex series (paid subscription, sorry if the link doesn't work).

"When items in a series themselves contain internal punctuation, separating the items with semicolons can aid clarity."

I think this one is kind of up to you. But I'd format your sentence like this:

I am involved in all aspects of these projects: attending client meetings; material selection; compiling information; and, most importantly, redesigning entire wings of the schools every time stakeholders change their minds.

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