What is the primary function of a semicolon in writing?

The primary function of a semicolon is to link closely related independent clauses or sentences. When two independent clauses are closely related in thought but could stand alone as separate sentences, a semicolon can be used instead of a period. This creates a smoother connection between the thoughts being expressed. For example, in the sentence "I have a big exam tomorrow; I can't go out tonight," the semicolon effectively ties together two related ideas, highlighting their connection while also indicating a stronger separation than a comma would provide.

Using a semicolon enhances clarity by helping the reader understand the relationship between the two clauses without introducing a conjunction, making it an effective tool in business writing and more formal communication.