How to Use a Semicolon: The Most Feared Punctuation

I don't know about you, but I've always feared a semicolon. The only time I'm certain when to use it is before a conjunction, like "however" and "therefore". Other than that, I would never use it to just break apart of sentence. The Oatmeal says differently.

The Oatmeal says the point of semicolon is to connect two independent clauses, two complete thoughts. Semicolons eliminate the pause created by a period without using words such as "and", "but", "nor", or "yet". It is recommended to use a semicolon when you'd like to form a bond between two statements, typically when they are related to or contrast with one another. Or use a semicolon as a super-comma, like if you need to make a list of items that are separated with a comma. This often occurs when listing locations, names, dates, and descriptions.

A good way to think about it is the difference in pauses. A comma creates a brief pause. A semicolon creates a moderate pause. And finally, a period, which creates a complete stop.

For more information, check out the website below for the amusing graphics and entertaining dialogue:
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon