A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related ideas or to separate items in a complex list.

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, or to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

A conjunctive adverb is a word that connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between them, such as 'however', 'therefore', 'meanwhile', and 'additionally'.

When using a conjunctive adverb to connect two independent clauses, place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.

I wanted to go for a walk; it was raining outside.

A comma is used to separate items in a list or to connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction, while a semicolon connects closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

I love reading; I also enjoy writing.