Use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction
Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb such as however, therefore, or meanwhile when linking two independent clauses
Use a semicolon to separate items in a list when the items already contain commas
Use a semicolon between independent clauses when the second clause explains, expands, or contrasts with the first
Use a semicolon to avoid confusion in complex lists or sentences with multiple commas
Do not use a semicolon to join an independent clause with a dependent clause
Do not use a semicolon after words like because, although, if, or when unless the following part is a complete independent clause
Do not use a semicolon where a comma, period, or colon is more appropriate