What is the primary use of a semicolon in sentence construction?

The primary use of a semicolon in sentence construction is to separate two complete, related sentences. This punctuation mark serves to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in theme or context, allowing for a more sophisticated and fluid transition between the thoughts presented. By using a semicolon, the writer indicates that the two clauses are linked, providing the reader with a stronger sense of their relationship than a period would.

For example, in the sentence "I wanted to go for a walk; the weather was too cold," the semicolon emphasizes the connection between the desire to walk and the reason it was not possible. This use helps the sentence flow while maintaining clarity about the relationship between the ideas expressed.