When to use a semicolon?

A semicolon is used in the following situations:

1. To separate two closely related independent clauses:

Example: I have a meeting at 9 am; I need to finish my presentation.

2. To separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas:

Example: The conference attendees came from New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois.

3. To separate clauses joined by transitional words or phrases such as "however," "therefore," "in addition," etc.:

Example: I wanted to go to the party; however, I had to stay home and study.

4. To separate phrases or clauses that are long or complex:

Example: The book, which was written in the 19th century; has become a classic.

5. To separate phrases or clauses that already contain commas:

Example: The team, consisting of John, the captain; Sarah, the goalkeeper; and Mark, the striker; won the championship.

It is important to note that the use of semicolons should be done sparingly and appropriately, as overuse can make writing appear convoluted or confusing.

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