Question

Which choice shows the proper way to use a semicolon?

Answer 1

"The sky was blue this morning; nevertheless, rain was expected" 

Answer 2

The correct answer is A. The sky was blue this morning; nevertheless, rain was expected.

Explanation:

The semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that has different functions in terms of grammar these functions include separating items in a lists, especially if these are long or contain details; linking two independent clauses (sentences that are complete) directly; and joining two or more independent clauses through a conjunctive adverb such as however, consequently, therefore or nevertheless. Additionally, it is important to avoid replacing a comma or other punctuation mark with a semicolon or using semicolon to link two idependent clauses when these are already link by conjunctions  such as or, but, and. Considering this, the choice or statement that shows the proper way to use a semicolon is "The sky was blue this morning; nevertheless, rain was expected" because in this statement the semicolon  links two independent clauses (each with a subject and verb) "The sky was blue this morning" and "rain was expected" by using a conjunctive adverb which in this case is "nevertheless" and therefore the use of semicolon follows the grammatical rules and shows the correct way to use this punctuation mark.