Independent clauses are usually connected with a conjunction (or separated by a period). If the first independent clause is closely related to the second one, we sometimes join the two clauses with a semicolon to show this close relationship.
Example 1
The game was finally over; the fans, shocked by their team's defeat, were completely silent.
Written with a conjunction, this sentence would be:
The game was finally over, and the fans, shocked by their team's defeat, were completely silent.
Example 2
Johnny gave up learning the guitar after just one month; it was just too difficult for him.
Written with a conjunction, this sentence would be:
Johnny gave up learning the guitar after just one month because it was just too difficult for him.
Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that act as connectors. Some common conjunctive adverbs are besides, consequently, however, otherwise, still, therefore, though, and thus.
I started working on my report a week before it was due; consequently, I finished it early and was able to relax.
I liked Yukie's creative ideas for the new project; still, I wondered if they would really work.
3. Use the semicolon with phrases that connect or give examples.
Phrases and idioms that introduce, clarify, and give examples include as a result, for example, for instance, in fact, in addition, and that is.
Learning how to use a computer can take a lot of time and can seem extremely complicated to someone who has never used one; as a result, some people totally avoid ever using one.
Many of my students really love studying English; in fact, most of them consider it their main interest.
Exercises
1) Click the "Original" button and make any necessary changes to the sentence. (Type or remove the punctuation marks in the box.)
[Original]のボタンをクリックすると下のスペースに文章がでてきます。 まちがっていると思う箇所を訂正しましょう。（コンマなどの句読点マークを入れたり、削ったりして下さい。）
2) Click "Check!" to check your answer.
[Check]のボタンをクリックし答をチェックしてみましょう。
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