What are the 4 semicolon rules?
Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes.
- 1 Semicolons connect related independent clauses.
- 2 Delete the conjunction when you use a semicolon between two independent clauses.
- 3 Use semicolons in a serial list.
- 4 Use semicolons with conjunctive adverbs.
- 5 Use a semicolon to give a wink.
How do you check if I used a semi colon correctly?
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.
Where do you use commas and semicolons?
Rule to Remember
Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.
What is the semicolon rule?
Rule. Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
What is an example of a sentence with a semicolon?
Semicolons Separate Clauses
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.
What are the three rules for using semicolons in a sentence?
There are three uses of the semicolon.
- Use a semicolon to connect (put together) two related, or similar, sentences.
- Use a semicolon to join two related, or similar, sentences when using a conjunctive adverb.
- Use a semicolon to connect items in a list if there are already commas in the sentence.
When should you not use a semicolon?
Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a semicolon.
What are the 8 rules for commas?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses)
What’s the difference between a semicolon and a comma?
Definition. Comma is a punctuation mark indicating a pause between parts of a sentence or separating items in a list. Semicolon is a punctuation mark indicating a pause that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma.
What are the 3 semicolon rules?
How do you use a colon and semicolon in a list?
Another common mistake is using a semicolon where a colon should go. Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
Examples of using semicolons in a list. Look at the following example: You will need to bring the following: sleeping bag, pillow, and pyjamas for the overnight stay; water bottle, waterproof jacket, sweatshirt, and walking boots for the afternoon trek; and a swimming kit for the river activities.
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.
How do I know when to use a comma?
Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. Example: I love vanilla ice cream, but my brother prefers chocolate. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
What are 10 examples of comma sentences?
2. Examples of Comma Use
- The pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles. Listing things.
- I really wanted cereal this morning, but I didn’t have any milk. Connecting clauses.
- Well, if you really want pancakes, I guess I can make them. Creating pauses.
Do you put a semicolon before and in 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.
Do you always put a comma before and?
Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and. There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list.
What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?
Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.
How many semicolons can you use in a sentence?
There is no limit to how many semicolons one can use. Punctuation =/= grammar. There is a stylistic guideline, however, which is to use a semicolon when it clarifies meaning and not to use one when it obscures meaning. The same goes for all punctuation.
What are the 4 types of commas?
There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas.
How do I know where to put a comma?
Comma Rules
- Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
- Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
What is the correct punctuation for a list?
The Comma. The comma is also used to separate items in a list.
What are two dots above one called?
What is a colon? A colon is a punctuation mark consisting of two dots, one placed above the other. It looks like this : Colons are often used to introduce a list, but that’s not all they can do! Think of a colon as a flashing sign that points to your text.
Can you put 2 semicolons in a sentence?
Yes, semicolons can be used to connect three, or more, related independent clauses.