This is the second most common mistake when using semicolons, confusing them with commas. We can use a comma to connect two independent clauses only when we use a coordinating conjunction. We can use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Second, we use commas in simple lists, and we use semicolons in lists with additional information. See if you can spot the problems below:

1) I like ice cream; but my sister prefers candy. (Incorrect)

2) I need four things from the store: cheese; wine; bread; and chicken. (Incorrect)

Here’s what was wrong:

1) We’ve used the coordinating conjunction ‘but’ so we need to use a comma, not a semicolon. If we didn’t use ‘but’ then a semicolon would be fine. Here’s how we might write them both correctly:

• I like ice cream, but my sister prefers candy. (Correct)

OR

• I like ice cream; my sister prefers candy. (Correct)

2) The list isn’t providing any additional information, so we should use commas. If we added more information, then we could use semicolons instead. Here’s how they’d both look:

• I need four things from the store: cheese, wine, bread, and chicken. (Correct)

OR

• I need four things from the store: cheese to go on top of the pasta; wine for drinking with dinner; bread for the soup; and chicken for tomorrow. (Correct)