The semicolon is one of the most useful but least used punctuation marks. For whatever reason, many of us avoid it. Maybe it intimidates us; it shouldn’t. (see, wasn’t that easy?)

Joining two independent clauses Use a semicolon when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words Les Miserables is a great book; the movie is a great companion text to it. I love learning in my English class; I wish I could come errrday.

Joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb example  you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc. I love going to Baltimore to watch the Orioles win; however, I love watching them beat the Yankees the most. The pantry is continuously stocked with tasty snacks; consequently, that’s the first place I visit when I return home.