when to use a semicolon
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- 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. But however they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods.
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Semicolon (;) The main task of the semicolon is to mark a break that is stronger than a comma but not as final as a full stop. It’s used between two main clauses that balance each other and are too closely linked to be made into separate sentences, as in these two examples:
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Colon or Semicolon? 33 Comments. If you want to write English more effectively, then you should use the colon and semicolon. They look and sound similar, but they have very different uses. This website explains how to use them both, and how to know which one is suitable for the task in hand.
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Use of a semicolon before and comma after âhoweverâ And with conjunctive adverbs of more than one syllable, we use a comma after it to help clarify what is the second independent clause. That's use of however number 1. Number 1½ is that since they're independent clauses we can just have them as separate sentences: Our plane was delayed overnight.
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Semicolons, Colons, and Dashes Semicolons. Use a semicolon to separate two related independent clauses (clauses that can stand as sentences on their own) that are not linked by a comma and coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, yet, and so). Jill did three hours of homework today; Jen did five-and-a-half.
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How to Use Semicolons 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. I can't go out tonight.
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Semicolon Basics Print Page Report a broken link. Semicolons are punctuation marks used to separate parts of sentences. Use a semicolon in the following instances. Two independent clauses. Use a semicolon when separating two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction. Example: Jones (2014) argued that intelligence was fixed; Smith (2011) argued that ability could be fluid.
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- Do not use a semicolon instead of a comma. Commas can be used to connect two simple sentences and a coordinating conjunction (but, and, nor, or so, for example), while a semicolon cannot. Do not use a comma instead of a semi-colon. A comma can never be used to separate two independent clauses (complete sentences).
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Semicolon In this usage, the semicolon acts as a sort of super-comma. The new store will have groceries on the lower level; luggage, housewares, and electronics on the ground floor; men’s and women’s clothing on the second floor; and books, music, and stationery on the third floor.
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- Trends of 'semicolon'. Translations for 'semicolon'. British English: semi-colon /ˌsɛmɪˈkəʊlən/ NOUN. A semi-colon is the punctuation mark (;) which you use in writing to separate different parts of a sentence.
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- The good news about the semicolon is that it is relatively straightforward. It has only one use for joining clauses and it is simply this: both clauses have to be able to stand alone as independent sentences, as if they had a period between them. Your second clause does not pass this test.
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- Colons and semicolons should never be used interchangeably. Rule 1. Use a colon to introduce a series of items. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon (unless it's a proper noun). Examples: You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans, utensils, and warm clothing. I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
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Using the semi-colon and colon Other Useful Guides: Using the apostrophe, Using the comma, Sentence structure. The semi-colon. The semi-colon represents a break within a sentence that is stronger than a comma, but less final than a full stop. It enables the writer to avoid over use of the comma and preserves the finality of the full stop. Semi-colons are used to separate items in a list and to link closely related sentences. To separate items in a list. Use the semi-colon to separate items in a list when one or more items contain a comma. (These examples use a colon to introduce items in the list. An explanation of the use of the colon is given below.)
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Semicolons 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. Pages. 1. 2.
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Semicolons The second difference between a colon and a semicolon is that when you are joining things, you use a semicolon to join things of equal weight, whereas you can use a colon to join things of equal or unequal weight.
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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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Colon or Semicolon? This could be written as two sentences without the semicolon; however, the relationship between the two clauses is made more clear through the use of a semicolon. The semicolon is often used to make the reader think about the relationship between the two clauses.
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- Method 5 of 5: Avoid Confusing the Semicolon with the Comma. 1. Do not use a semicolon instead of a comma. Commas can be used to connect two simple sentences and a coordinating conjunction (but, and, nor, or so, for example), while a semicolon cannot. 1  Example of correct usage: I love my cat, but he drives me crazy..
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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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- 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. 2  Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
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- We can join independent clauses (IC) to create compound sentences by using a semicolon (;). And like the comma-FANBOYS pattern, when we construct a compound sentence using the semicolon, we ask our readers to understand that the two ideas logically relate to each other. examples.
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Semicolons before transitional phrases A transitional phrase (e.g., however, as a result, consequently) will usually start a new sentence. However, if you would like a smoother transition between the first sentence and the one starting with the transitional phrase, you can use a semicolon before the transitional phrase. You cannot use a comma.
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- Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas. 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.se a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas. 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.
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- When to use the colon. 1  1. Use the colon to punctuate the end of a sentence when a list of items follows, as follows: The class will expose you to the following topics: politics, history, and economics. 2  2. Use a colon between two sentences when the second sentence elaborates or explains the content of the first sentence. She had it all: looks, intelligence, wit, and charm. She also had a piercing gaze, and it was aimed at one place, and one place only: my heart. This I know: Do or do not.
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- Join the sentences with a semicolon. A semicolon needs complete sentences on either side of it that have complete meaning and can stand by themselves. Use a semicolon when you want to keep two closely related ideas in one sentence.
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- A semicolon links two shared ideas; in poetry, a semicolon means the reader should pause, but not take a complete breath, because the next line is directly tied to the one just read. Caesura can also be created with a semicolon. Make a slight pause in the poem's forward movement with a comma.