THE SEMICOLON

There are Four Rules to semicolons

Rule 1

A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences.

I want to but some popcorn; we're doing a family movie night tonight.

Rule 2

Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, for example,ie etc., when they introduce a whole sentence.

Gaby planned to run in the morning; however, it was raining so she decided to watch a movie instead.

Rule 4

A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause.

Once all everything arrives, including the balloons, food, guests and entertainment, I will let my sister downstairs; but not until then.

Rule 3

Use a semicolon to separate a list when one or more of the units contain commas.

Mitchell went to Georgia, Florida; Miami, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina; Raleigh, and Tennessee in his summer break.

Bibliography

http://www.grammarbook.com/
http://www.grammar-monster.com/