what is the main purpose of a semicolon?
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Semicolon The semicolon or semi-colon (;) is a punctuation mark that separates major sentence elements. A semicolon can be used between two closely related independent clauses, provided they are not already joined by a coordinating conjunction. Semicolons can also be used in place of commas to separate items in a list, particularly when the elements of that list contain commas.
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- semicolon definition. A punctuation mark (;) used to join two independent clauses in a sentence. The semicolon shows that the ideas in the two clauses are related: “Jack really didn't mind being left without a car; he had the house to himself.”.
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- 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. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see the Colons section). Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her.
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What is the difference between a comma and a semi colon? Best Answer: A semi colon is a stronger division than a comma. It is typically used to join two sentences that closely relate, particularly when the writer want a fluid connection between the sentences without creating a run-on sentence. (I saw the man ride into the fruit stand; there were apples and oranges everywhere!)
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- Semicolons aren’t required due to the nature of JavaScript’s automatic semicolon insertion, but they’ve been been considered a best practice for years. The following illustration sums up my thoughts on semicolon usage within JavaScript: Ultimately it’s a team / organizational decision but consistency is key.
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- This sentence has two verbs but only one subject, so it has only one clause. Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction. Example: I have painted the house; I still need to sand the floors. 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. Example: We had a reunion with family from Salt Lake City, Utah; Los Angeles, California; and Albany, New York.
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- It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms. Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply. Rule 3. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
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armed ( or dressed) to the teeth in American Definition of alchemy from the Collins English Dictionary The semicolon ( ; ) The semicolon is used to mark a break between two main clauses when there is a balance or a contrast between the clauses.
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How to Use the Semicolon In most cases, we mark the end of a main clause (or sentence) with a period. However, a semicolon may be used instead of a period to separate two main clauses that are closely connected in meaning or that express a clear contrast. Examples:  1 I never vote for anyone; I always vote against..
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- In French, a semicolon is used where either a colon or a comma would be only half appropriate. The phrase following a semicolon can be either a full sentence (as if following a period) or a phrase (as if following a comma). However, in no case would the first next word be capitalized.
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The Semicolon The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning. Don't capitalize the word that follows the semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one that is always capitalized. Limit your use of semicolons; you should not scatter them wantonly throughout your writing.
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- Rules & Observations. The semi-colon is useful when you need a sentence to shift or surprise; to be modified or amended; it allows a generosity, lyricism and ambiguity to creep into the sentence structure. So, yes, it can also be the sign of a self-indulgent writer and should be used with care..
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Difference Between Semicolon and Colon Semicolon is often used instead of the full stop in cases where sentences are grammatically full and independent. One of the important rules in relation to the application of a semicolon is that the sentences separated by it should have a close connection.
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- Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.
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Semi-colons, colons, and dashes The semi-colon looks like a comma with a period above it, and this can be a good way to 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:
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Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences 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.
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- 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. Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply. Rule 3. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. Incorrect: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho, Springfield, California, Alamo, Tennessee, and other places as well.
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semicolon The definition of a semicolon is a punctuation mark(;) that indicates a pause between clauses that is more pronounced than the pause indicated by a comma (,). An example of a semicolon is the punctuation mark ; used between two clauses in a sentence. semicolon. semicolon.
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SEMICOLON • SEMICOLON (noun) The noun SEMICOLON has 1 sense: 1. a punctuation mark (';') used to connect independent clauses; indicates a closer relation than does a period. Familiarity information: SEMICOLON used as a noun is very rare.
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When should you use a semicolon? to separate elements in a series that already contain commas. Examples: 1  The color order was red, yellow, blue; blue, yellow, red; or yellow, red, blue. ( 2 Davis & Hueter, 2006; Pettigrew, 2003). 3  age, M = 34.5 years, 95% CI [29.4, 39.6]; years of education, M = 10.4 [8.7, 12.1]; and weekly income, M = 612 [522, 702].
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Semicolon The semicolon or semi-colon[1] (;) is a punctuation mark that separates major sentence elements. A semicolon can be used between two closely related independent clauses, provided they are not already joined by a coordinating conjunction.
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- 1 Use semicolons to separate items in a list that contains commas.  2 Normally we use commas to separate items in a list: We need paper, pens, ink, and computer discs.
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Using A Semicolon To Introduce Lists I'll risk a me, too if only to redouble what Stephen said. I've never seen a semicolon used to introduce a list (that's the primary function of the colon), and I have certainly never seen or heard of a rule that the punctuation introducing a list varies with whather the list is comprehensive or not.
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- But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see the Colons section). Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her. Correct: I have one goal: to find her. Rule 1a. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences.
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- 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. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank. Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
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- Definition of infanticide from the Collins English Dictionary The semicolon ( ; ) The semicolon is used to mark a break between two main clauses when there is a balance or a contrast between the clauses.