Using semicolons instead of full stops

A semicolon provides a stronger break than a comma, but a weaker break than a full stop. It can be used where you would normally use a full stop, but need to signal a closer relationship between two ideas; for example:

The figures for water toxicity are very high ; they also show a statistically significant increase over the time period.

instead of

The figures for water toxicity are very high. They also show a statistically significant increase over the time period

Here are some more examples:

Working memory is limited in terms of capacity ; it is also limited in terms of duration.

A medical conceptualisation of repetitive strain injury focuses on muscle overload through the repetitive use of muscle and tendon groups; in this view, the frequency of required repetitive movement and poor equipment design are highlighted as major causes of the injury.

It is important to remember that the semicolon must always be followed by a clause that could be a complete sentence on its own; that is an independent clause.