Semicolon Usage ?
Asked by: Sarah Yang
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.
When should a semicolon be used examples?
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.
What are 3 ways to use a semicolon?
3 Ways to Use a Semicolon
- Use 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.
What are some examples of semicolons?
Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.
What are the four uses of a semicolon?
4. 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, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently.
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.
Where do you put a semicolon in a sentence?
Using Semicolons
- A 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.
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.
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!
Did I use a semicolon correctly checker?
If you want to check whether or not you’re using a semicolon correctly, just read the two clauses on their own and see if they make sense. If they don’t, it’s a miss. In the first example, a semicolon is used to introduce a list; it should be a colon.
How do you use example?
You use for example to introduce and emphasize something that shows that something is true. Take, for example, the simple sentence: “The man climbed up the hill.”
What are sentences 10 examples?
Here are 10 examples of sentences;
- Mary enjoys cooking.
- She likes bananas.
- They speak English at work.
- The train does not leave at 12 AM.
- I have no money at the moment.
- Do they talk a lot ?
- Does she drink coffee?
- You run to the party.
How do you punctuate for example?
Use a comma before and after for example (or for instance) in the middle of a sentence. I would recommend low-sugar fruits, for example, strawberries or avocados. I would recommend low-sugar fruits for example strawberries or avocados. Replace the first comma by a semicolon to introduce a complete sentence.
Do you capitalize after a semicolon?
When using a semicolon to join two independent clauses, do not capitalize the first word of the second independent clause unless the word is a proper noun, e.g., The sky is blue; the birds are singing.
Do you need to capitalize mom and dad?
When terms denoting family relationships are used as proper nouns (as names), they are capitalized. However, when the terms are used as common nouns (not as names), they’re not capitalized.
Do you capitalize a list after a colon?
When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun. When a colon introduces a phrase or an incomplete sentence that is meant to add information to the sentence before it, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun.
Do you need a comma before but?
Comma Before But
If you are joining two independent clauses, use a comma before the word but. Where the but is not joining two independent clauses, do not use a comma. The comma is a useful and multifunctional part of English grammar, it can help the flow of a piece of text and provide a small break for the reader.
Is the Oxford comma?
The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. For example, in “the flag was red, white, and blue”, the Oxford comma would be the one appearing before “and”. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences.
Do you put a capital letter after three dots?
If you think the ellipsis represents a delay within an as-yet-incomplete sentence, but you’ve decided you don’t want indicate that delay using some other punctuation (comma, semicolon, etc.), then just continue the sentence without a capital.
Do I capitalize after Elipses?
Note that since the first dot is a period, there should be no space between the last word of the first sentence and the first dot. Some prefer to capitalize the first letter after an ellipsis if what follows is an independent clause.
Which is an example of an ellipses?
John saw two hawks in the sky, and Bill saw three. This is an example of a noun phrase ellipsis because “hawks” is omitted from the noun phrase “three hawks.” Notice that when a noun phrase ellipsis is used, the word or words that are omitted from one clause appear in the other clause.
How do you use ellipses?
Ellipses
- Use an ellipsis to omit information at the beginning and end of quotes. With quoted material, use an ellipsis to indicate an omission at the beginning, within, or at the end of a sentence. …
- Use an ellipsis to omit whole sentences in quotations. …
- Use an ellipsis in dialogue.
What does 3 dots mean?
Ellipsis points are periods in groups of usually three, or sometimes four. They signal either that something has been omitted from quoted text, or that a speaker or writer has paused or trailed off in speech or thought. That’s the basics.
What are 3 dots called?
The Ellipsis
The Ellipsis
Those three little dots are called an ellipsis (plural: ellipses). The term ellipsis comes from the Greek word meaning “omission,” and that’s just what an ellipsis does—it shows that something has been left out.