Comma, semicolon and colon uses

I have painted the entire house (Comma, semicolon) but she is still working on sanding the floors.

Comma Rule: Use a comma between two long, independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor, or so connect them.

I have a big test tomorrow (comma, semicolon) as a result, I can't go out tonight.

Conjunctive adverbs are words such as "however," "therefore," and "indeed," and they "usually show cause and effect, sequence, contrast, comparison, or other relationships" (1). For example, "I have a big test tomorrow; therefore, I can't go out tonight." (The comma after the conjunctive adverb is optional.)

We have set this restriction (semicolon, colon) do your homework before watching television.

Colon Rule: A colon is used to introduce a second sentence that clarifies the first sentence.

I need four paint colors (semicolon, colon) blue, gray, green, and red.

Colon Rule: Use a colon to introduce a list when no introductory words like namely, for instance, i.e., e.g. precede the list.

If you want me to go out tonight, you need to help me with my homework first; and if you say no, I'll know that you don't really care about going out.

Because each half of that long sentence has a conditional clause that must contain a comma, it's OK to use a semicolon before the "and" that separates those two parts. You could make them two sentences, but you don't have to; and because they are so closely related, it makes a lot of sense to have them be together separated by the semicolon. The "and" after the semicolon is actually optional in this case, but I think it adds to the flow of the sentence.

I have a big test tomorrow (semicolon, comma) so I can't go out tonight.

Comma Rule: Use a comma between two long, independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor, or so connect them.

I painted (Comma, nothing) and he sanded.

Nothing Rule: If the clauses are both short, omit the comma.

I have painted the house (Comma, nothing) but still need to sand the floors.

Nothing Rule: If you have only one clause (one subject and verb pair), do not use a comma in front of the conjunction.

This week's winners are Joe from Reno, Nevada; Diane from Phoenix, Arizona (semicolon, comma) and Matt from Irvine, California.

Semicolon Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations.

We had a reunion with family from Salt Lake City, Utah (semicolon, comma) Los Angeles, California (semicolon, comma) and Albany, New York.

Semicolon Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations.

I have a big test tomorrow (Semicolon, colon) I can't go out tonight.

Semicolon Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction.

I have painted the house (semicolon, colon) I still need to sand the floors.

Semicolon Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction.