Semicolons (;)

Semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark indicating a pause, typically between two main clauses. It is used

[1] to link two independent clauses instead of conjunctions

• Watching basketball is fun , but playing it is better.
  → Watching basketball is fun; playing it is better.
• He is a teacher, and his brother is a mechanic.
  → He is a teacher; his brother is a mechanic.  

[2] with conjunctive adverb
Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. 

• He didn't review the lessons; however, he could do the test. 
• There was heavy rain yesterday; hence, the road is flooded.

[3] between items in a list (if any of the items contain commas)

• The interview candidates will meet with Vera Canseco, director of marketing; Dennis Liu, vice president of operations; and Chris Snow, vice president of sales.
• The choir traveled to Detroit, Michigan; Gary, Indiana; and Madison, Wisconsin.