Here's how it works:
* Coordinating conjunctions (like "and," "but," "or," "so," "for," "yet," "nor") connect two independent clauses (complete sentences) that are related in meaning.
* Semicolons can also connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning.
Example:
* With a coordinating conjunction: "The rain was pouring, and the wind was howling."
* With a semicolon: "The rain was pouring; the wind was howling."
Important Note: You can't just randomly replace every coordinating conjunction with a semicolon! It's important to consider the relationship between the two clauses and whether the semicolon makes the sentence flow smoothly.