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Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Best method to separate complex/multiple nouns and the verb? Semi-colon?

Can you use a semi colon in a complex sentence?

Semicolons Can Join Complex Clauses with a Coordinating 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.

How do you use a semicolon in a complex list?

We use semicolons to punctuate a complex list, which is when list items contain commas. For example, “I visited Paris, France; Paris, Texas; and Paris, Illinois.” Paige explains.

How do you use semicolons to separate items 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’.

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.

Do you use a semicolon or colon for lists?

Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.

When should a semicolon be used examples?

A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences (independent clauses). Examples: Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then. We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract.

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.

Can you use a semicolon instead of and?

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 shouldn’t use a semicolon and a conjunction. That means when you use a semicolon, you use it instead of the ands, buts, and ors; you don’t need both.

What follows a semicolon?

The semicolon is used to separate independent clauses in specific situations. It also separates a series of items which contain internal punctuation.



2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression.

after all even so in fact
as a result for instance in the first place

How do you separate a list?

Usually, we use a comma to separate three items or more in a list. However, if one or more of these items contain commas, then you should use a semicolon, instead of a comma, to separate the items and avoid potential confusion.

How do I separate a list from a semicolon in Excel?

Select Home > Split Column > By Delimiter. The Split a column by delimiter dialog box appears. In the Select or enter a delimiter drop-down, select Colon, Comma, Equals Sign, Semicolon, Space, Tab, or Custom. You can also select Custom to specify any character delimiter.

How do you use a colon in a list examples?

Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.

How do you list multiple items in 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 more than 3 things?

Oxford comma: In a list of three or more items, the comma after the next-to-the-last item, just before the “and,” is optional, but leaving it out might imply that the last two items are connected as one unit, as in “mashed potatoes and gravy” or “pie and ice cream.” Court cases have been won/lost because of the comma

How do you list three items in a sentence?

Whenever you have three or more items in a series, each item requires punctuation to separate it from the others. Depending on the complexity of the list, you can use either commas or semicolons.