Basic Use:
* Connecting Two Independent Clauses: A semicolon separates two complete sentences that are closely related in meaning. They are like a stronger version of a comma and conjunction.
* Example: *The rain poured down in sheets; the wind howled through the trees.*
Using Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs:
* Conjunctive Adverbs (like *however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless*) connect related ideas but show a stronger connection than a simple comma.
* Example: *The storm was fierce; however, the hikers found shelter in a cave.*
Using Semicolons with Lists:
* When Items in a List Contain Internal Commas: Use semicolons to separate the items in a list if the items themselves have internal commas.
* Example: *We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and London, England.*
Common Errors to Avoid:
* Don't Use a Semicolon Between Dependent Clauses: Semicolons should only separate complete sentences, not phrases or dependent clauses.
* Don't Overuse Semicolons: Use semicolons sparingly to emphasize the relationship between the two ideas you're connecting.
Here are some more examples:
* The old man sat on the porch, his eyes closed; he was lost in thought.
* We studied hard for the exam; therefore, we were confident about our scores.
* The library was quiet; the only sound was the soft rustle of turning pages.
Let me know if you'd like to see more examples or want to work on specific scenarios!