Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

• A. I like coffee, but I rarely drink it.
• B. I like coffee; I rarely drink it.
• C. I like coffee; but I rarely drink it.
• D. I like coffee and I rarely drink it.

Answer: (B)

Using a semicolon to connect two independent clauses is the right move when the ideas are closely linked but each part could stand alone as a sentence. Here, “I like coffee” and “I rarely drink it” are both complete thoughts. The semicolon shows that these two related ideas are tied together without using a conjunction, signaling a smoother, tighter relationship than a period would.

That’s why this sentence is correct: it cleanly joins two related statements with a semicolon, rather than relying on a comma with a coordinating conjunction or placing a conjunction after a semicolon, which isn’t standard usage. The other forms either switch to a plain comma with a conjunction, drop the semicolon altogether, or put a conjunction after a semicolon, which isn’t correct punctuation.