None of the provided sentences use a semicolon correctly. Here’s a brief explanation of semicolon usage:
A semicolon is typically used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related but could stand as separate sentences. It can also be used to separate items in a complex list.
Here’s a quick correction for each sentence:
- I need to bring the following things: my gym bag, my backpack, and your helmet. (Use a colon rather than a semicolon because it's introducing a list.)
- Before we go to softball practice, we have to finish our homework. (A comma is needed to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.)
- We moved practice to the gym because it started raining. (A subordinating conjunction is needed instead of a semicolon since the second part is not an independent clause.)
- The stadium is located next to the school; it does not take long to walk there. (This sentence is correct with the semicolon, but "ther" should be corrected to "there.")
So, while the fourth sentence has the correct structure with a semicolon, it has a typo that needs fixing.