Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses?

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses?

• A. She loves reading.
• B. He prefers films.
• C. She loves reading; he prefers films.
• D. She loves reading; and he prefers films.

Answer: (C)

Using a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related is key here. Both parts can stand on their own: “She loves reading” and “he prefers films.” The semicolon links these two related ideas into one sentence, showing the connection without turning them into separate thoughts. Also, after a semicolon the next word isn’t capitalized unless it’s a proper noun or the pronoun “I,” so starting with a lowercase “he” is appropriate. That’s why the sentence with the semicolon is the best choice: it preserves the tight relationship between the two ideas in one sentence. If you used a period, you’d have two separate sentences rather than one linked idea. If you tried to put a conjunction after the semicolon (like “and”), that isn’t standard usage; you’d instead write either the semicolon alone or connect the clauses with a comma plus a conjunction: “She loves reading, and he prefers films.”

Using a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related is key here. Both parts can stand on their own: “She loves reading” and “he prefers films.” The semicolon links these two related ideas into one sentence, showing the connection without turning them into separate thoughts. Also, after a semicolon the next word isn’t capitalized unless it’s a proper noun or the pronoun “I,” so starting with a lowercase “he” is appropriate.

That’s why the sentence with the semicolon is the best choice: it preserves the tight relationship between the two ideas in one sentence. If you used a period, you’d have two separate sentences rather than one linked idea. If you tried to put a conjunction after the semicolon (like “and”), that isn’t standard usage; you’d instead write either the semicolon alone or connect the clauses with a comma plus a conjunction: “She loves reading, and he prefers films.”