Poor semicolon. So misunderstood; so misused. Despite years of grammar classes we never know exactly when to use a semicolon, where to put it in a sentence or how exactly it’s supposed to be used. The comma we understand. It’s simple and easy to find on the keyboard. Likewise the period. It’s always there when you need it to end a sentence. The Writer’s Handbook has this to say about the semicolon: “Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.”
