1. Use a semi-colon instead of a conjunction to join two independent clauses .
Example: I like working outside; I also enjoy reading.
If you were to use a comma, you would need a conjunction.
Example: I like working outside, but I also enjoy reading.
2. Use a semi-colon before conjunctive adverbs (such as however, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, and therefore) that join two independent clauses. Be sure to put a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
Example: I like working outside; however, I also enjoy reading.
3. Use semi-colons to separate elements in a series if they contain internal punctuation.
Example: On his fishing trip, Jeff caught rainbow, brook, and lake trout; large-mouth, small mouth, and white bass; and a few northern pike.
Or, Last summer we traveled to Dublin, Ireland; Paris, France; Munich, Germany; Rome, Italy, and Moscow, Russia.
Complete the sentences below by correctly inserting commas and semi-colons.
1. Alison didn't feel well however she came to school anyway.
2. It was a hot windy day but I still spent the afternoon working in the garden.
3. It was a hot windy day I still spent the afternoon working in the garden.
4. Robin wanted to stay however she knew her parents would not like it if she did.
5. The Silver Maple is a tall graceful tree but its wood is soft and it is susceptible to wind damage.
6. Kendra never liked dogs she preferred to own a cat.