After all, that sly emoticon winky eye can’t be all bad. Pence takes aim at Biden DC support, existential Mood: How to Use Tone and Mood in Your Writing, 5 Writing "Rules" That Are Really Guidelines. How to use a semicolon. Here's the correct punctuation: a comma for a personal letter, a colon for a business letter, and either punctuation mark in an email. However, sometimes there are lists that contain commas, so it gets confusing unless you separate those items using semicolons. I had a huge meal; however, I am already hungry again. How to use a semicolon. It might be easy to confuse the comma and the semicolon because they share a resemblance. She had self-defense training; consequently, she warded off the assailant. You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Each semicolon brings us closer to the top.

I have finished the main course; now I have to make dessert. Rule 2: Use a Semicolon to Divide Items in a List. Here's a good rule of thumb. As such, the semicolon comes to the rescue to divide the lists, acting as a comma, but allowing for greater organization and clarity. Incorrect: I am here; You are over there. This is part of the same rule, but the conjunction in question is “but” instead of “and.” In other words: To summarize, a semicolon links up two related ideas by narrowing the gap between the ideas of two separate sentences or by replacing a conjunction between two related ideas. 1. You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Avoid a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. : Underline?

That means they're to be used when you're dealing with two complete thoughts that could stand alone as a sentence. Incorrect: I like cows, however, I hate the way they smell. A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses. A semicolon is also often used before introductory expressions such as for example, that is, and namely, in place of a colon, comma, dash, or parenthesis: On one important point Harry and Mabel agreed; that is, it would be better for all if Harry found somewhere else to be while Mabel finished cooking. So whether you’re using it to whip up a good complex sentence or to give someone a wink, now you know how to do it right. The examples above are both made up of two complete, grammatically correct sentences glued together. She moved to Ireland; she preferred the tranquil setting over America. After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. A semicolon is mainly used to separate two independent clauses while still demonstrating that a close relationship exists between them. Second, you do not capitalize the first word in the second clause. However they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods. The general answer is no. There are three primary purposes for this member of the punctuation family: lists, quotations, and independent clauses. #2. The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it was early in the evening. Harris describes threat of climate change, Set your young readers up for lifelong success, Study Up With Our Official SCRABBLE Dictionary, 9 Pairs of Words That Look the Same But Different. Never forget this point: think before you speak. Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. When a sentence contains multiple commas in the first clause, it is appropriate to use a semicolon before a conjunction to join two clauses. Here are three states that begin with M: Michigan, Mississippi, and Maine. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank. A group of words containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence or an independent clause. Let’s put that another way. I know you don't like broccoli; nevertheless, it is very good for you. The group of words that comes before the semicolon should form a complete sentence, the group of words that comes after the semicolon should form a complete sentence, and the two sentences should share a close, logical connection: Model 3 "There are three choices in this life: be good, get good, or give up." Fly steals focus during debate, litany In a land of LOLs and BRBs, it's nice to know you're still a grammar aficionado. When too many commas are used in one sentence, the sentence becomes confusing. “For anything of greater length, a semicolon is simply better, stronger glue than a comma, while a period is too divisive.” It’s also grammatically incorrect to link two complete sentences using a comma; a semicolon acknowledges that they’re two complete sentences, even if they are related.

If semicolons can link independent clauses that would otherwise have a period or a conjunction between them, that means they can demonstrate contrast, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see Colons).

This is a Remington typewriter; all the keys are intact. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: wcenter@writing.wisc.edu. I saw a magnificent albatross; it was eating a mouse. I will be there as soon as I finish working; that is a promise I will definitely keep. In the classic grammar and style manual The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items. Titles of Books, Plays, Articles, etc. I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; London, Ontario; Paris, France; Paris, Ontario; Perth, Scotland; Perth, Ontario. Some people write with a word processor, tablet, or a even a phone; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil. The semicolon is the comma's first cousin, but it works a little bit harder; it also makes you look smarter.

A semicolon can also join two statements when the second clause is missing some essential words that are supplied by the first clause. Find out when to use a semicolon. Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil. What’s going on here? Just remember this main point: semicolons are used to offset two independent clauses. My plan included taking him to a nice—though not necessarily expensive—dinner; going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year; and serenading him with my accordion. A semicolon is used in place of a comma to separate phrases or items in a list or series when the phrases or items themselves contain commas or are especially long: Harry set out to find a dessert that would demonstrate his deep appreciation of Mabel's meal.

How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe... Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words? What’s going on here? When you have a conjunction—a connecting word such as “but,” “and,” or “so”—a semicolon is unnecessary. Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.

Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.

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