How to use semicolons correctly?
How to Use a Semicolon Correctly
- Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Let’s put that another way. ...
- Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses. ...
- Use Semicolons in a Serial List You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. ...
- Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. ...
- Use a Semicolon to Give a Wily Wink
When should a semicolon be used?
The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc.
When to use semicolon or colon?
Rules for Using Semicolons
- A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. ...
- Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. ...
- Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas. ...
When to use semicolons, colons, and dashes?
remember what it does. A semi-colon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. Here are the two most common uses of the semi-colon: To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas. Let’s look at an example, as that is the easiest way to understand this use of the semi-colon.
Can you use too many semicolons?
Semicolons and colons indicate sophisticated writing. Remember that using too many semicolons and colons can make a paper look cluttered, particularly a shorter paper. Use them sparingly in order to add variety to the methods utilized to connect sentences.
Can you use multiple semicolons in a row?
1 Answer. In general, for use in a list - yes.
What are the three rules for semicolons?
There are three uses of the semicolon.Use a semicolon to connect (put together) two related, or similar, sentences. ... Use a semicolon to join two related, or similar, sentences when using a conjunctive adverb. ... Use a semicolon to connect items in a list if there are already commas in the sentence.
What do 2 semicolons mean?
In the English language, a semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon joins two or more ideas in one sentence, those ideas are then given equal rank.
How many times should you use a semicolon?
Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression, such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore.
How many semicolons can you have on the paragraph?
As a general rule, you may not want to use more than one semicolon in any paragraph. Avoid using two semicolons to connect three sentences. Insert any semicolons or commas needed in the following sentences.
What are the 4 semicolon rules?
Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you're taking notes.Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses. ... Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon Between Two Independent Clauses. ... Use Semicolons in a Serial List. ... Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs. ... Use a Semicolon to Give a Wily Wink.
How do you use a semicolon in a sentence examples?
Semicolons Separate Clauses Here's an example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight. The two clauses in that sentence are separated by a semicolon and could be sentences on their own if you put a period between them instead: I have a big test tomorrow.
What is a trailing semicolon?
The trailing semicolon is the last semicolon in a declaration block and it is optional. This rule ignores: Less mixins.
How do you use semicolons in a list?
Semicolons can be used to link items in a list, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a 'super comma'.
Can a colon and semicolon be used in the same sentence?
Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. Examples: I have lived in many large cities: Baltimore, Maryland; Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Florida. In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities.
Did I use a semicolon correctly checker?
If you want to check whether or not you're using a semicolon correctly, just read the two clauses on their own and see if they make sense. If they don't, it's a miss. In the first example, a semicolon is used to introduce a list; it should be a colon.
How to Use A Semicolon correctly
The most common use of the semicolon is to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction like and. Do you use a capital letter after a s...
Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses
You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Let’s put that another way. The group of words that comes before the semic...
Delete The Conjunction When You Use A Semicolon
A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses. Conjunctions (that’s your ands, buts, and ors) can do that too. But you sho...
Use Semicolons in A Serial List
You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. In these cases, the semicolon helps rea...
Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs
When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, n...
Use A Semicolon to Give A Wily Wink
Emoticons will never replace a solid knowledge of the English language. But they can sure spice it up from time to time.😉The semicolon is a good p...
When to use a semicolon?
A semicolon is used in place of a comma to separate phrases or items in a list or series when the phrases or items themselves contain commas or are especially long:
What Is a Semicolon?
The semicolon is the colon's quirkier sibling. While the colon is simply two dots stacked : the semicolon is a dot hovering over a comma ;
What is a semicolon master?
You too can become a semicolon master! Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. For example, this summary could say "Semicolons are useful; they show that clauses are related in meaning.".
When are items separated by semicolons?
When the items in a series are long or are sentences themselves, they are usually separated by semicolons even if they lack internal commas:
Does a comma replace a semicolon?
In short sentences, a comma often replaces the semicolon: Mabel's cooking prowess, honed through years of complex feasts, was formidable; the interruption of its application ill-advised. The scent of the baking bread was sublime, the perfume of the goulash intoxicating.
When to use semicolons in a sentence?
It’s certainly okay and it’s not unusual. Semicolons are used in sentences that have items in a list. If those items have commas, you’ll need to bring in the semicolons to separate the items. Here’s an example.
What is the second use of comma separated lists?
The second use is to demarcate comma-separated lists from each other.
What does a comma mean in a sentence?
Commas indicate a soft stop — really any kind of pause. Semi-colons indicate a harder stop than a Comma but a softer stop than a Colon or a Period. Colons indicate an essentially complete stop — much like a Period, but without a Period’s finality. The complete answer unfortunately isn’t so simple.
What is the second most abused punctuation mark?
One writer noted that they are the second-most-abused punctuation mark. The first? The apostrophe.
Why do we use punctuation?
Punctuation is for clarity. You want your message understood. If, when you read something you have written, rather than rewriting it, you may be able to change your punctuation in order to make your message as clear as possible. Some people may not be comfortable using semi-colons; you need not be one of them.
What does it mean when you end a sentence with a full stop?
It’s about creating flow in your writing. If you always end sentences with a full stop (period), you tend to create a staccato, broken-up effect ; if, however, you use a semi-colon, the idea in one sentence can seem to lead more naturally into the idea in the next sentence.
Is it correct to join two sentences with a comma?
All of those are perfectly correct; the only way that would not be right would be to join the two complete sentences with a comma.
How to use semicolons correctly?
Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes. 1. Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses. You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Let’s put that another way. The group of words that comes before the semicolon should form a complete sentence, ...
When to use a semicolon?
When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently.
What Is a Semicolon?
Semicolons (;) are as basic as a period stacked on top of a comma. Does that mean you can use it like either one? Don’t get your hopes up. But don’t let this punctuation mark get you down, either. After all, that sly emoticon winky eye can’t be all bad. 😉
Why do you need a comma plus something?
You need a comma plus something to avoid a comma splice. That something can either be the right conjunction or the period that turns a comma into a semicolon. If semicolons can link independent clauses that would otherwise have a period or a conjunction between them, that means they can demonstrate contrast, too.
Why do you use semicolons in a list?
Use Semicolons in a Serial List. You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items.
What is the most common use of semicolons?
The most common use of the semicolon is to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction like and.
How does a semicolon link up two related ideas?
To summarize, a semicolon links up two related ideas by narrowing the gap between the ideas of two separate sentences or by replacing a conjunction between two related ideas. That goes for showing contrast, too: just because two ideas are opposed or contradictory, that doesn’t mean they aren’t related closely enough to earn themselves a semicolon.
What is a semicolon in a sentence?
The semicolon, like the comma, is merely a punctuation mark that is meant to properly direct the flow and rhythm of a sentence, and can theoretically be used as many times in a sentence as you want.
Why is a semicolon used in place of a comma?
So, I know (and routinely abuse) the properties of a semicolon. It is used in place of a comma to prevent comma splices; its main function is to afix related sentences together without using a conjunction. (Okay, that was a little forced.)
Can semicolons separate lists?
Using semicolons to separate list items that themselves contain commas would be one example. However, a sentene that complex is probably better rewritten anyway.
Can you use the same phrasing and insert a comma?
phrasing has nada to do with it... you can use the same phrasing and just insert a comma, em dash, or period wherever you have all those dadratted ;s!
Can you use more than one semicolon?
doesn't look right to me... more than one semicolon can be used for a series of items, but doesn't seem ok to me, for a series of descriptive phrases... that just makes no sense, imo, as you've merely glued three separate sentences together with semicolons...
Can you use two semicolons in the same sentence?
If you read old texts multiple semicolons will be used in the same sentence. It's not common practice anymore. Current standards usually suggest splitting the phrase separated by a semicolon into separate sentences. I like multiple semicolons in a sentence though, as long as they are used correctly. I think the popularity faded out (around the time of Edgar allen Poe) because most people don't understand how to use them correctly and a reader generally won't understand how to make sense of the sentence.
Why should semi-colons be reserved for sentences?
semi-colons should be reserved for sentences so related the semi-colon can act as the phrase "that is," and make sense.
Is it okay to end a sentence with a colon?
If this were preceded by a sentence ending in a colon ( such as a doctor describing a patient's symptoms), it would be okay. There's nothing technically wrong with it--this is what semi-colons are for--but as a stand-alone sentence, it seems a bit awkward, like it's just kind of hanging there in space.
Can you use semicolons to connect sentences?
The point here is that you're wanting to use semicolons to connect sentences. There's rarely a good reason to take a sentence and make it do anything other than stand on its own. If these are sentences--and the example you cited proved they are--then the best way to treat those sentences to get the staccato effect you're looking for here is to leave them alone.
Can a comma be used in a strunk and white?
Strunk & White (I think, unless it was someone else) says that three short, closely related clauses can be joined with commas. (e.g. I came, I saw, I conquered) but I think this exemption only works neatly when all three are the same length, and three words or fewer.
Do you use commas in Canadian style?
The Canadian Style has it that if the independent clauses are short and parallel, use commas. Otherwise use semi-colons. I don't have S&W, so I can't comment on what it has.
Can you eliminate all semicolons?
Use one conjunction and you can eliminate all the semicolons. Even without a conjunction, commas work better here.
Can semicolons be used to connect three or more independent clauses?
Yes, semicolons can be used to connect three, or more, related independent clauses. That was fairly common a few hundred years ago, but it became less common as literacy spread.