Final answer:
The use of the semicolon to show a strong relationship between two related independent clauses is true. It signifies a closer connection than a comma and less separation than a period, and is often used with transitional words or phrases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a semicolon (;) shows a strong relationship between two sentences/independent clauses is true. A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. This punctuation mark indicates a stronger relationship between the clauses than a comma would, but a less definitive separation than a full stop (period). For example, 'Road construction in Seattle has hindered travel around town; streets have become covered with bulldozers, trucks, and cones.' This example illustrates how the semicolon joins two main clauses that depict the same situation, enhancing the reader's understanding of the context without starting a new sentence. Additionally, the semicolon is appropriate when the second clause is introduced by a transitional word or phrase such as 'however,' which requires a preceding semicolon if it's connecting two independent clauses, as in 'It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we still managed to have a picnic.'