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 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 and a dependent clause.
Do not use a semicolon where a comma, period, or colon is more appropriate.
Keep both sides of a semicolon grammatically complete when joining two clauses.