Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses (both can stand alone as sentences)
Example: The meeting ended; everyone left quietly.
Use a semicolon between independent clauses when not using a conjunction (and, but, or, so)
Example: She studied hard; she passed the exam.
Use a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs when they connect independent clauses
Example: The results were unclear; however, further testing is needed.
Examples of conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, meanwhile, otherwise, nonetheless
Use a semicolon to separate items in a list when the items already contain commas
Example: We visited Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Rome, Italy.
Use a semicolon to separate long or complex list items
Example: The team included Alex, the lead designer; Priya, the researcher; and Marco, the engineer.
Do not use a semicolon to join a dependent clause to an independent clause
Incorrect: I stayed because it was late; the bus was gone.
Use a comma instead when one clause is dependent
Example: I stayed because it was late, and the bus was gone.
Do not use a semicolon after introductory phrases that require a comma
Example: However, I disagree.