Semi-Colons

How to use them:

Connecting ideas:

The most common way to use a semicolon is to help join closely connected ideas in a sentence. These sections must be independent and complete sentences, but closely linked in some way

e.g: I spent four hours in a library; I couldn't find the book I wanted to read.

Instead of a semi-colon, a coordinating conjunction or a full stop could be used

Breaking up a list

Semicolons can also be used when writing a list. In most lists, it’s enough to use commas to separate the items

e.g: When I pack for holiday, I make sure I have my passport, tickets and a book for the airport; sunglasses, suncream, sandals and a beach towel for the beach; and foreign currency.

Coordinating conjunction

however

instead

therefore

meanwhile

consequently

accordingly

also

Signals to the reader which objects are grouped together.

How not to use them:

Don't use a semicolon instead of a comma to join a subordinate clause:

"As the weather gets colder; I like to put more food out for the birds."