when is a semicolon used

A semicolon is used primarily in two essential ways:

1. To link two closely related independent clauses (complete sentences) within one sentence when they are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Using a semicolon here suggests a close relationship or contrast between the ideas. For example:

   • "I do not like to eat chocolate; ice cream is my food of choice."
   • "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."
     This use helps avoid run-on sentences and maintains a nuanced connection stronger than a comma but softer than a period.

2. To separate items in a complex list where the listed items themselves contain commas. This usage helps avoid confusion by acting as a "super comma." For example:

   • "The people present were Jamie, a man from New Zealand; John, the milkman's son; and George, a gaunt kind of man with no friends."
   • "Michaela's itinerary included France, Paris; Austria, Vienna; Italy, Rome; and Germany, Berlin."

Additionally, semicolons can be used before transitional words like however, therefore, or moreover when they link two independent clauses:

• "I do not like to ride the bus; however, I ride it when I visit my sister."

In summary, semicolons are used to:

• Join related independent clauses without conjunctions,
• Separate list items that contain internal commas,
• Link independent clauses with transitional words.

They provide a middle ground in punctuation—stronger than a comma but softer than a period—helping clarify relationships between ideas and complex lists.