在分隔两个独立的概念(两个独立的从句)时，我们使用分号，但前提是这两个句子是有相关性的。当陈列复杂的概念或短语，并且句中包含逗号时，适合使用分号来分隔。分号拥有逗号的功能，但包含更多意思，亦有冒号的功能，但在使用起来更加灵活。

在句中加入两个或多个概念，而这些概念互为平等时：

The universe has always called to human beings; there could be no more final frontier than space.

加入两个用连接副词或转折片语连接的独立从句：

Sam thought David was inviting him to the picnic to enjoy a nice day out; as it turned out, David was planning a surprise 

birthday party.

表达许多或一系列不同项，每项中包含逗号时，或者每项相对长且性质较复杂：

Our family members came all the way from Denver, Colorado; Rochester, Minnesota; and even Paris, France.

使用对等连接词连接两个独立从句(若两个从句已使用逗号分隔)，或者当两个从句较长时：

My main research objective is to isolate the cause of the disease, as well as to contribute to the existing literature; for this will       bring an end to starvation across the continent, create new study designs related to epidemiology, and change the very                  paradigm of my research field.

应使用分号而非逗号的情况

错误范例: The specimens were treated properly, however, they were not stored properly.

正确范例: The specimens were treated properly; however, they were not stored properly.

*副词“however”表示的是连接两个独立的从句； 不要用逗号去连接两个不包含并列连词(and,   but, or, nor 等等)的独立从句。

错误范例: The sun is wonderful: it produces light, which plants need to survive, it gives us warmth, which is useful for most life,   and it makes a sad day happier,   which is obviously a positive trait!

正确范例: The   sun is wonderful: it produces light, which plants need to survive; it gives us warmth, which is useful for most life; and it makes a sad day happier, which is obviously a positive trait!

*若只使用逗号，则无法清楚的表明陈列的项目是什么。因此，要善用冒号用来分开包含逗号的项目。