Use a semicolon between independent clauses which are linked in meaning with a transitional word. This transitional word is often followed by a comma. 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.
Perhaps the most common use of a semicolon is to link two separate, independent clauses that could stand as grammatically correct, fully formed sentences on their own. The caveat to this rule is that the clauses must be related. For instance, the phrases, "I hurt my knee," and "I have a hard time walking," are two clauses that could be complete sentences on their own and are also related. So, why are semicolons so often misused, especially when compared to other types of punctuation like commas, periods and question marks? The confusion comes with the fact that the semicolon operates in a kind of murky gray area between commas and periods.
As pointed out in in the example above, the period has a note of finality to it, meaning the sentence has come to a stop. The comma, however, is used as a brief pause to separate items in a list or introduce a clause with the help of a coordinating conjunction (if, but, because, etc.). Those two punctuation marks seem clear, but a semicolon? A semicolon is stronger than a comma, but it does not signal finality in the same manner as a period. When you want to connect two related independent clauses by a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverbs, it could use a semicolon. As with the first rule we discussed, both the clauses should make complete sense as standalone sentences too.
2.Do not put a comma between two independent clauses linked by a conjunctive adverb/ transitional expression, as this leads to the comma splice error. Remember, you separate two independent clauses with a comma only when they are separated by a coordinating conjunction . Not over-stressing the logical relationships and letting the reader infer them is a stylistic technique that advanced writers sometimes use. However, remember that the semicolon should be used sparingly, for any of its uses mentioned here. These can function as conjunctions but they are not true conjunctions – they are transitional words or phrases that join independent clauses. When conjunctive adverbs lie between two independent clauses, they are often best preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma, though this is not always the case.
A semicolon works well when a sentence needs a shift or modification. As semicolons are stronger than commas, and weaker than periods, they play an important role in joining independent clauses to give proper meaning to a sentence. They also help in removing sentence fragments and comma splices in writing, making it cohesive and well-connected. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. Semicolons can be used to coordinate independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are but, and, so, or, nor, for and yet – basic words that show the relationship between two connected clauses.
If any of these is present there is usually no need for a semicolon, unless the writer wants a bigger pause, perhaps to emphasise whatever follows . A semicolon is a punctuation mark that separates independent clauses, or to repair a comma splice. As it suggests a close link between two clauses, it appears mostly in academic writing. However, is not popularly used in informal prose writing. For example, in the sentence, "The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there" (The Go-Between, by L.P. Hartley), the underlined semicolon separates two clauses.
Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses that are closely related. The important part is that both sides of the semicolon should be able to stand alone as complete sentences. Put a semicolon before the linking expression and a comma after it, as it serves as an introductory element to the second independent clause. I would have to argue that the comma is probably the most misused punctuation mark in English.
As far as I know, semicolons are merely used to connect two independent clauses. I don't know… I just seem to see so many misplaced commas, but I rarely see semicolons being used at all. For some time, the British have been using a colon where most Americans would use a semicolon. Many grammarians insist on a subtle difference between the two marks, however, no matter which side of the Atlantic you live on.
Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. Remember that a semicolon connects two independent clauses that are able to stand as complete sentences on their own. In the above example, the dependent clause "which it did not have" cannot form a complete sentence on its own, so it must be joined to the main clause with a comma. These words sometimes show up in other parts of a sentence; therefore, the semicolon rule only applies if it helps the conjunctive adverb join two independent clauses. (See what we did there?) This conjunctive adverb rule is similar to the conjunction rule.
In both cases, check that the two ideas are independent clauses that could stand on their own as sentences. If so, then you're grammatically good to go as far as the semicolon is concerned. The semicolon is a useful implement in any writer's toolbox. Use this punctuation mark to join two closely related sentences.
Too many semicolons can be distracting for the reader and ruin the rhythm of your prose. Also use the semicolon to separate list elements that themselves contain punctuation. A punctuation mark that is stronger than a comma, used either to separate two independent clauses or to separate items in a list when there are parenthetical commas present.
Both a colon and a semicolon indicate a connection between two ideas; however, the function of these two marks is somewhat different. A semicolon separates the main components of a sentence, while joining two independent clauses. For example, in the phrase, "They drive Jaguar; we drive Ferrari," both independent clauses have been joined with a semicolon.
Most commonly, the semicolon is used between two independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) when a coordinating conjunction is omitted. Use a semicolon between independent clauses whose ideas are closely linked if the clauses are not already joined by a conjunction. And you thought it was hard trying to avoid cracks in the sidewalk.
In this sentence, the semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb otherwise. In the following example, the reader may get confused as to which group checks in with which. A, B, C, and D may be falsely perceived as a series. Using a semicolon clarifies the various group pairings. The above sentence is composed of two independent clauses which could normally be separated with a comma and coordinating conjunction. However, using a semicolon to link the clauses together without a conjunction is an elegant lighter alternative.
How Do You Use Semicolons In A Sentence All this to say, use a semicolon when two independent clauses do not contain a conjunction such as and, yet, or but. Don't use a semicolon when you do see one of those words. You'll most likely need to use a comma to help the sentence flow properly. An independent clause is a grouping of words with a subject and a verb that can stand as a complete sentence on its own. A semicolon marks a break between two independent clauses while signaling a close relation between them. A semicolon's first job is to combine two or more independent clauses, putting together several full sentences about related things.
You cannot use semicolons to combine an independent clause with a dependent clause, in other words, a complete sentence with an incomplete sentence . There are two ways we use semicolons to combine independent clauses. Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. 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.
Semi-colons will be introduced as an alternative to coordinating conjunctions within compound sentences with two independent clauses. 3.Consider using a semicolon to unite two independent clauses, which on the one hand are self-standing sentences, and on the other hand two halves of one whole. This allows a smoother transition that lets the text flow, instead of creating "borders" with commas and connectors. This simple example shows the connection between the two clauses without having the reader insert a pause between them.
If there was a period instead of a semicolon, it would make both sentences seem choppy and hard to read. With a semicolon, the pause is eliminated and the independent clauses flow much better together. You can use a dozen semicolons on a single page of writing, and if they're all separating independent clauses or adding clarity to your comma-filled lists, they can all becorrect.
The third way to use a semicolon is to insert it between two independent clauses, even when they are connected via a coordinating conjunction. This is particularly true when those independent clauses are lengthy or complex, especially when they contain commas. The first and probably more confusing reason that we use a semicolon is to connect two independent clauses together. An independent clause has both a subject and a predicate and can stand by itself as a complete sentence.
For example, Matt likes baseball is an independent clause, but because Matt likes baseball is not. A semicolon is a punctuation mark that represents a more significant pause than a comma but less significant than a period. A semicolon resembles a period placed over a comma (;). The two most common reasons to use a semicolon are to join two related independent sentences or to punctuate a list or series that also uses commas. A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses that have related ideas.
The independent clauses can be joined by a coordinating conjunction or by a semicolon, as you can see in the compound sentence examples below. 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. 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. As we have mentioned, you cannot use a semicolon to connect two unrelated independent clauses, although these can appear together as separate sentences. 3.You can use a semicolon before coordinating conjunctions or before any elements when these are either long or contain commas or other punctuation marks within them. 2.You should not use the semicolon to link between independent clauses if the relationship between them may not be easily inferred. In such cases, leave the comma followed by the appropriate coordinating conjunction. If you can understand a few key rules of using a semicolon, you can feel more confident next time you need to use one.
These are a few overlying rules of using a semicolon. Even among accomplished writers, the semicolon is one of the most misused punctuation marks in the English language. Independent clauses are clauses that can stand alone as separate sentences. If you want to connect two related independent clauses , then you can use a semicolon.
According to Dreyer, "independent sentences don't hang together well with commas unless they're as terse as 'He came, he saw, he conquered,'" he explains. Use punctuation marks to separate closely-related independent clauses. A semicolon fixes that because it allows the independent clauses to stand on their own, while still showing that they're connected.
The second way to use a semicolon is to insert it between closely related independent clauses to create sentences that flow in a meaningful and attractive way. The semicolon does jobs that are also done by other punctuation marks, but puts its own spin on the task. Like a comma, it can separate elements in a series. Like a period or colon, it often marks the end of a complete clause . And like a colon, it signals that what follows it is closely related to what comes before it. 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.
For example, this summary could say "Semicolons are useful; they show that clauses are related in meaning." All of the above sentences have the exact same meaning. The main difference between them is the length of a pause and that the semicolon signals that the two sentences are closely related.
However, these punctuation marks are not grammatically interchangeable; we will go over this shortly. Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction. Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are joined by a conjunction if at least one of the clauses contains commas. A comma or semicolon is not necessary because the two halves on either side of the semicolon in your example don't stand alone, and therefore are not independent clauses. Plus, as a rule of thumb, punctuation should not be inserted unless it enhances or clarifies meaning.
Remember semicolons connect two independent clauses. Commas should never be used when you want to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction. Also, because in each case the two clauses are short and contain no other marks of punctuation, a comma might replace the semicolon. Strictly speaking, however, that would result in acomma splice, which would trouble some readers . Pause at any sentence that contains more than one independent clause (complete idea/sentence).
If so, you can use a semicolon to connect them instead of comma and. This will add variety to the structure of your sentences. You shouldn't do this to every single sentence though, or you will have the same problem with a repeated sentence structure.
Use a semicolon to link two independent clauses that have a transitional expression between them. The semicolon is also used between two independent clauses linked by a transitional expression (e.g., accordingly, consequently, for example, nevertheless, so, thus). Technically, the semicolon could be replaced with a period, since each independent clause is a complete sentence. The semicolon, however, emphasizes the connection between the two clauses. The other most common use of semicolons is to separate lists when commas are present within the list itself which is part of a single independent clause. Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, so a comma alone is not sufficient to join them.
