Here's a breakdown of when to use a semicolon:
1. Connecting Related Ideas:
* When the clauses are closely related in meaning, and the semicolon emphasizes the connection:
* "The storm raged outside; the house shook violently."
* When the second clause explains or clarifies the first:
* "The music was loud; it was almost unbearable."
* When the two clauses are balanced and parallel in structure:
* "The sun was setting; the sky was ablaze with color."
2. Using a Conjunctive Adverb:
* When a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore, moreover, consequently) connects the two clauses, a semicolon is typically used before the conjunctive adverb:
* "The train was delayed; however, we still managed to arrive on time."
3. In Lists with Internal Punctuation:
* When listing items that already contain commas, semicolons can be used to separate the items:
* "The guests included the President of the United States; the Governor of California; and the Mayor of New York City."
4. Avoiding Confusion:
* When using a series of clauses that contain commas, semicolons can help prevent confusion:
* "The meeting was attended by the chairman, John Smith; the vice-chairman, Mary Jones; and the treasurer, David Brown."
Remember:
* Don't use a semicolon to join two clauses that aren't related in meaning.
* Don't use a semicolon where a comma or period would be more appropriate.
Examples of Incorrect Use:
* Incorrect: "The sky was blue; the grass was green." (The clauses are not closely related.)
* Incorrect: "I went to the store; I bought milk." (A comma would be more appropriate.)
Examples of Correct Use:
* Correct: "The rain poured down; the streets were flooded."
* Correct: "The movie was long; however, it was entertaining."
* Correct: "The guests included the President, who gave a speech; the Governor, who presented an award; and the Mayor, who gave a brief welcome."