Question #N892

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?
A. The dog barked; and then it wagged its tail.
B. The dog barked, and then it wagged its tail.
C. The dog barked; then it wagged its tail.
D. The dog barked then; it wagged its tail.

Correct Answer is: C

A semicolon should be used to join two independent clauses that are closely related. Choice C is the only sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses: "The dog barked" and "then it wagged its tail."