By Semicolon or Comma?

Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction. Example: I have painted the house; I still need to sand the floors. Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Rule to Remember

Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.

Are comma and semicolon the same?

Remember, semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or periods. Instead, they're somewhere in between: stronger than a comma but not quite as divisive as a period.