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 you use semicolons?
When should a colon be used examples?
- To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example /explanation.
- To join sentences.
- To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions.
- Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement.
- Using a colon between a preposition and its object.
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
What is the proper way to use a semicolon?
What is the proper way to use a semicolon? Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
What are the two uses of a semi-colon?
Here's when to use a semicolon: To link closely-related independent clauses To separate two independent clauses that are connected by a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb To separate two independent clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction if those clauses are very long or already punctuated with commas More items...
How do you use a semicolon example?
When to Use a SemicolonSemicolons separate items in a complex list. For example, The Council is comprised of ten members: three from Sydney, Australia; four from Auckland, New Zealand; two from Suva, Fiji; and one from Honiara, Solomon Islands.Semicolons join two closely related independent clauses.
What are 3 ways to use a semicolon?
3 Ways to Use a SemicolonUse a semicolon to connect related independent clauses. An independent clause is a sentence that communicates a complete thought and makes sense on its own. ... Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. ... Use semicolons to separate items in a list.
When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?
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.
Do you use a semicolon before a list?
Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list. He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick. He took three things on the hike: his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
Where do you put a semicolon in a sentence?
Using SemicolonsA 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.More items...
How do you use a colon example?
A colon can be used to connect two independent sentences. Typically, a colon is used when the second sentence clarifies or explains the first sentence. For example, Me and my sisters are really excited: We're going to Disneyland!
What words do you use a semicolon after?
2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression.accordinglyfinallysimilarlybesideshoweversubsequentlycertainlyincidentallytheconsequentlyindeedthereforeconverselyinsteadthu2 more rows
How do you use a colon and semicolon in a sentence?
Colons and semicolon in the same sentence 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. Semicolons are used to separate each city and state from the next city and state in the list.
How do you end a list with a semicolon?
Use a semicolon to separate items in a list containing internal punctuation. Use a semicolon to join/separate closely related, complete sentences. The semicolon is stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period (full stop).
How do you list two things in a sentence?
Using Lowercase Letters to Separate Items Within a Sentence To list items within a sentence, use lowercase letters in parentheses to identify each item. Use the correct punctuation— either commas or semi-colons— to separate the items in a list.
How do you list things after a colon?
When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.
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 semicolon?
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
How to use semicolons in a sentence?
Rules for Using Semicolons 1 A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.#N#Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil. 2 Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.#N#However they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods. 3 Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.#N#There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat. 4 Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.#N#Some people write with a word processor, tablet, or even a phone; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil.
What do you write with?
Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil.
Can a comma be used to connect independent clauses?
What’s going on here? Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction. This mistake is known as a comma splice.
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.
When to use a semicolon?
Rule 2. Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms.
When to use semicolon in a sentence?
A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep. Rule 5.
Is a semicolon a period?
Semicolons. It's no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop. Semicolons have other functions, too.
Can a semicolon replace a colon?
Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see Colons ).
What is a semicolon?
Most commonly, they separate two main clauses that are closely related to each other but could stand on their own as sentences if you wanted them to.
Why do we use semicolons in sentences?
Another reason to use a semicolon is to draw attention to how related your two clauses are. The semicolon in our example sentence highlights that the reason you can't go out tonight is that you have a big test tomorrow. You wouldn't write, “English is my fifth period class; I can't go out tonight,” because those two main clauses have nothing to do with each other. I can't think of a single reason why English being fifth period would mean you can't go out tonight.
Why do people use commas?
Sometimes people seem frustrated because they have to remember to use commas with coordinating conjunctions and semicolons with conjunctive adverbs most of the time. If you can't keep the difference straight in your head, it can help to remember that commas are smaller than semicolons and go with coordinating conjunctions, which are almost always short two- or three-letter words—small words, small punctuation mark.
Why do you use a semicolon instead of a period?
Semicolons Create Variety. One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure; for example, you might use a semicolon if you thought you had too many short, choppy sentences in a row.
When to use a semicolon with a conjunction?
First, if you have a long sentence with multiple independent clauses, and some of those clauses contain internal punctuation such as a comma, you can use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction to make the separation between clauses more clear. Here's an example:
What are some examples of conjunctive adverbs?
Conjunctive adverbs are words such as “ however ,” “therefore,” and “indeed.” Here's an example of how you could use them with semicolons:
What is a transitional phrase?
A transitional phrase is something like “for example” or “in other words.” A sentence with a transitional phrase could read like this:
When to use semicolon?
A semicolon should be used only when the independent clauses are so closely related, they seem to belong in one sentence. A semicolon should only be used if both clauses have a subject and a verb ; that is, the clause on each side of the semicolon can stand alone as a sentence.
What is a semicolon?
Semicolons are end stop punctuation marks: they are used to mark the end of a sentence. Semicolons are primarily used instead of a period to separate two closely related independent clauses (word groups which can stand as sentence).
What is an example of a sentence with two independent clauses?
Here is an example of a sentence with two independent clauses where the second clause begins with an introductory word or words. Blue jeans have become fashionable all over the world; however, the American originators still wear more jeans than anyone else. Note that in this sentence the word however begins a new sentence.
When do you use a comma after a series?
Remember that when there are more than two items in a series, there must be a comma after each item except the last item. The requirement to use semicolons when there is a comma in one or more of those items clarifies and separates the items.
What are some examples of colons?
Here are examples of sentences using a colon: All humans have one need in common: food. There are many colors in the rainbow: blue, green, yellow, pink. Many people have given their lives for one belief: They believed in freedom.
Do you put a comma on both sides of the word "however"?
There is only one, and the however is just inserted in the middle and does not start a new clause. Therefore, it should have a comma on both sides, not a semicolon.
Do you need a comma after the introductory words?
A semicolon is still required to join the two clauses, and an additional comma is also needed after the introductory words.
Why do we use semicolons in lists?
Semicolons Use in Lists: Long or Complex Content. In some cases we may also wish to create a list with semicolons if the text is long and increasingly complex for the reader to process. This is true even if the content does not have internal punctuation.
Why is a semicolon important?
A properly inserted semicolon helps to provide pause and clarifying separation in sentences. It also connects closely related thoughts. In this review, we’ll further consider how the semicolon operates in forming lists that involve items in a series.
How can a paragraph be made more reader friendly?
The same paragraph could be made more reader friendly by separating the items into a scannable list. This is particularly true when we have internal punctuation among our items.
Why break a longer list into semicolons?
Note also that breaking the longer content into an itemized list with semicolons allows us to omit multiple references to the words that and the that had begun each dependent clause in the original text.
Do you capitalize the first letter of each line in a paragraph?
If we wish to separate the items for easier reading within formal writing, we would once again break out the items into separate lines, end all but the last line with a semicolon, add and at the end of the second-to-last line, and conclude the last line with a period. We also would not capitalize the first letter of each line.
When to use semicolon?
You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc. For example: I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there.
When to use a comma after an independent clause?
Use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. For example: