P3-a: Semicolon with independent clause
Between independent clauses with no coordinating conjunction
When two independent clauses appear in one sentence, they are usually linked with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). If the clauses are closely related and the relation is clear without a conjunction, they may be linked with a semicolon instead.
In film, a low-angle shot makes the subject look powerful; a high-angle shot does just the opposite.
A semicolon must be used whenever a coordinating conjunction has been omitted between independent clauses. To use merely a comma creates a type of run-on sentence known as a comma splice. (See G6.)
Between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression
Transitional expressions include conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases.
conjunctive adverbs
| accordingly | furthermore | moreover | still |
| also | hence | nevertheless | subsequently |
| anyway | however | next | then |
| besides | incidentally | nonetheless | therefore |
| certainly | indeed | now | thus |
| consequently | instead | otherwise | |
| conversely | likewise | similarly | |
| finally | meanwhile | specifically |
transitional phrases
| after all | at the same time | in addition | in the first place |
| as a matter of fact | even so | in conclusion | on the contrary |
| as a result | for example | in fact | on the other hand |
| at any rate | for instance | in other words |
When a transitional expression appears between independent clauses, it is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma.
When a transitional expression appears in the middle or at the end of the second independent clause, the semicolon goes between the clauses.
Transitional expressions should not be confused with the coordinating conjunctions and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet, which are preceded by a comma when they link independent clauses. (See P1-a.)