how to use a semi colon

A semicolon is a form of punctuation that plays a role halfway between a comma and a period. A semicolon can be used to connect two closely related independent clauses parts of a sentence that could also stand as separate sentences.

When To Use A Semicolon The Grammar Guide

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. If the list is complicated we may prefer to use semi-colons in. First heres an easy trick to see if youre using a colon or semicolon correctly to separate clauses. Linking them together in a way that a full stop doesnt. To help separate items.

A semicolon eliminates the need for the conjunction. How to use a semicolon. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences. A semicolon is always used to join two separate sentences and correlate them by making them into one complete sentence.

The items in this list are conjoined with conjunctions but they belong in the same sentence. Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely however therefore that is ie for example eg for instance etc when they introduce a complete sentence. An independent clause is a clause that can be its. You can use a semicolon in place of a comma hyphen em dash or parentheses to connect two complete thoughts that express related ideas.

Use a semicolon as a kind of super comma. My car broke down this morning. When we have a list of items we usually separate the items with commas. Here are the two most common uses of the semicolon.

Below are more details and. Meet One of Your New Instructors 3. The sentences that you link together are the ones. A semi-colon can replace a full stop between two sentences that share a theme.

Replace it with a period. Typically to join independent clauses within the same sentence you would need to use a conjunction eg and but or. As soon as we explore the examples of colons and. Semicolons can be used to connect two independent clauses into a single sentence if they.

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. Put them together and woah a semi-colon. In the example semicolons are used to join multiple items separated by conjunctions. More about Using Semicolons Semicolons are used to make lists clearer but mostly they are used to control the flow of text from one sentence to the next.

A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. The most feared punctuation on earth.