When should you use semicolons?

When should you use semicolons and how do you even use them? You all have heard of commas, they separate short pauses in sentences. Now, semicolons, are used for longer pauses. So, this is when you should use semicolons.<br><br>**Independent Clauses.** An independent clause is when you have a sentence with a subject (person or thing) and a verb (action). For example: I wanted to eat dinner. I am sleepy. I am hungry. These are examples of sentences with independent clauses. You should separate the clauses with a semicolon if you are going to continue going on in the paragraph.<br><br>For example: I like music; I like to walk around listening to music. Semicolons are crucial in these types of sentences. For example: I like music, I like to walk around listening to music, this wouldn't make sense to readers or writers.<br><br>**Items in a Series.** With using a bunch of commas in a sentence, you can get confused. Semicons can help. Here is an example: For example: I was heavily involved in tennis, cross country, and band. This can be confusing. Here is an example of how to use semicolons: For example: I was heavily involved in tennis; cross country; and band. Notice how I put the semicolon before the 'and.' This is very important that you put the semicolon before the 'and.'