100 ways to improve your writing - Gary Provost 2019
Know when to use a semicolon
Six ways to avoid punctuation errors
The semicolon signals a distinct pause in a sentence. Use it when a comma would not give your sentence sufficient pause.
1. Use a semicolon to separate closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction.
Nushka looked at the clock; Nanette looked at the floor.
Not all sailors love the sea; not all garbagemen love garbage.
2. Use a semicolon to separate word series that contain commas.
They bought soda, potato chips, ice cream, and candy; several games and toys; and three books.