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

• A. The sun is bright, it warms the day.
• B. The sun is bright; and it warms the day.
• C. The sun is bright; it warms the day.
• D. The sun is bright. It warms the day.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is using a semicolon to link two independent clauses that share a close relationship. Each part can stand on its own as a complete sentence: “The sun is bright” and “it warms the day.” A semicolon connects them without a conjunction, signaling that the second idea flows directly from the first. That makes The sun is bright; it warms the day a perfect example of correct semicolon use.

Why the other forms don’t fit this requirement: a comma between two independent clauses creates a run-on (The sun is bright, it warms the day). A semicolon joined with and (The sun is bright; and it warms the day) isn’t standard punctuation. Using a period (The sun is bright. It warms the day) is acceptable grammar, but it doesn’t demonstrate joining with a semicolon.