Semicolon

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Use a semicolon:

• To separate the independent clauses in a compound sentence not joined by a conjunction:
  Only two seats were left; we needed three.
  The situation is hopeful; the storm may lift soon.
• To separate two independent clauses, the second of which begins with an adverb such as however, consequently, moreover, and therefore:
  We waited an hour; however, we couldn't hang around indefinitely.
• To separate elements already punctuated with commas:
  Invitations were mailed to the various professors, associate professors, and assistant professors; the secretary of the department; and some of the grad students.

See also: The Semicolon: Love Child of the Comma and the Period