*Argument - 1: (denying the use with conjunctions)* >> - If two or more clauses, grammatically complete and **not joined by a conjunction**, are to form a single compound sentence, the proper mark of punctuation is a semicolon. >>- If a conjunction is inserted, the proper mark is a comma (Rule 4) >> as taken from *Codified rules, Strunk & White*; found via this [answer](http://english.stackexchange.com/a/286805/93909) >Also, >> Use a semicolon to separate 2 independent clauses in a sentence, closely related, with **no coordinating conjunction**. Also, use a semicolon to separate items in a series where the series themselves contain commas. >> [[source]](http://english.stackexchange.com/a/1422/93909) *Argument-2: (supporting the use with conjunctions)* >> The semicolon between clauses suggests a connection between the sentences that is stronger than if there were a period between the two. >> *e.g.* >> He is the most disagreeable person I've ever had the misfortune to meet, and I dislike his style; but I must admit that he gets the job done. [[source]](http://english.stackexchange.com/a/20760/93909) >*The most confusing part is probably this. It supports the use of semicolon with conjunctions with a stronger example.* >>>Some sentences are ambiguous; however, we try hard to avoid this. >>>Some sentences are ambiguous however we try hard to avoid this. >>The first sentence here states two separate thoughts, and points out that one is opposed to the other: "Some sentences are ambiguous" and "we try hard to avoid this". >>The second sentence states that no matter how hard we try to avoid it, some sentences are ambiguous. >>These two grammatically correct sentences differ only in whether we followed the semicolon-and-comma rule you mention, showing its value clearly. [[source]](http://english.stackexchange.com/a/104877/93909) In summary, my question is to ask: **Which usage of semicolon is more conventional and suggested for US/UK readers?** **As a budding researcher in engineering, which usage suites my technical writings if used consistently?**