Final answer:
A semicolon is used to link related independent clauses, separate clauses connected by transitional phrases, clarify elements in complex lists, and separate cited works in references.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the rules for using a semicolon; a punctuation mark commonly used in English to separate closely related independent clauses within a sentence. There are specific instances when the use of semicolons is appropriate:
- Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are closely related in meaning, without using a coordinating conjunction.
- Apply a semicolon in a sentence to separate main clauses that are connected by a transitional word or phrase, like 'however' or 'therefore'.
- To avoid confusion in a complex list, semicolons can separate elements that contain commas.
- When citing multiple works within parentheses, use a semicolon to separate them.
Remember, a semicolon should not be used to separate a word or a phrase from the rest of the sentence.