What is one example of an incorrect use of a semicolon?

The choice that illustrates an incorrect use of a semicolon is joining two unrelated sentences. A semicolon is specifically intended to link closely related independent clauses, meaning that the two clauses being connected should have a logical relationship or thematic continuity. When two sentences lack any meaningful connection, using a semicolon to join them creates confusion and disrupts the flow of the writing, as it implies a relationship that does not exist.

In contrast, separating items in a list is a proper use of semicolons when the items themselves contain commas, as this can help avoid ambiguity. Similarly, using a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction is generally considered incorrect because a conjunction typically connects elements and does not require a semicolon. Moreover, using a semicolon between independent clauses is actually one of the primary functions of the semicolon, facilitating the connection of two related thoughts within a single sentence. This is why the first option demonstrates the incorrect application of the semicolon.