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Semicolon 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
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