Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes. In both cases, check that the two ideas are independent clauses that could stand on their own as sentences. I’m not all that fond of the colors of tiger lilies; moreover, they don’t smell very good. I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk. If you need to separate units of words, then a semicolon will be used instead of a comma to do so. Don’t get your hopes up. Semicolons are punctuation marks used to separate parts of sentences. The most common use of the semicolon is to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction like and. Yes, that means there are six total sentences up there—and thanks to the semicolon, only two capital letters. But you shouldn’t use a semicolon and a conjunction. This is part of the same rule; the conjunction in question is “but” instead of “and.”. A colon introduces a list of items, a long quote; or is used if a consecutive sentence describes, explains, expands, or illustrates the first sentence. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. In addition, refer to APA, Section 6.4 for more information about semicolon usage. This conjunctive adverb rule is similar to the conjunction rule. I saw a magnificent albatross; it was eating a mouse. 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: Notice that the letter following the semicolon is not capitalized. Beware of These Common Consistency Issues in Writing, Tone vs. If semicolons can link independent clauses that would otherwise have a period or a conjunction between them, that means they can demonstrate contrast, too. You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Semicolons are punctuation marks used to separate parts of sentences. And there’s nothing as painful as a comma splice. That goes for showing contrast, too: just because two ideas are opposed or contradictory, that doesn’t mean they aren’t related closely enough to earn themselves a semicolon. Here’s a hint: if you used a comma and an “and” to link two related ideas, think of the period (you know, the top part of the semicolon) as a replacement “and.”. Rule 3: there is cause for using semicolons in a list. Let’s put that another way. You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. 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. Read our website accessibility and accommodation statement. But don’t let this punctuation mark get you down, either. Conjunctions (that’s your ands, buts, and ors) can do that too. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. That’s exactly why you can’t substitute a comma for a semicolon. Doctoral Capstone Preproposal Starter Kit, Sentence Structures and Types of Sentences, Mastering the Mechanics: Semicolons (video transcript), Structuring Sentences: Compound Sentences (video transcript), Structuring Sentences: Common Error—Fragments (video transcript), Structuring Sentences: Common Error—Run-On Sentences (video transcript), website accessibility and accommodation statement, Office of Student Experiential Learning Services. The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it was early in the evening. However they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently. Let’s recap: so far we’ve got semicolons for linking two independent clauses; replacing a conjunction (whether showing similarity, like “and,” or opposition, like “but”); and long, comma-loving lists. Grammarly will make sure your writing is clear and mistake-free. I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life’s too short for counting calories. Rule 2: you can use this punctuation mark before conjunctive adverbs such as therefore and for example. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. Martha has gone to the library; Andrew has gone to play soccer. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a comma splice. 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: Mood: How to Use Tone and Mood in Your Writing, 5 Writing "Rules" That Are Really Guidelines. That something can either be the right conjunction or the period that turns a comma into a semicolon. They were dirty. Yup, that was one now. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym. Search our website or email us. Grammarly will make sure your writing is clear and mistake-free. Don't say: "She scrubbed the floors. 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. For instance, the following sentences work by themselves: Semicolon usage is frequently discussed in these two webinars. Let’s put that another way. Or on top of your parenthetical smile. (See what we did there?) That means when you use a semicolon, you use it instead of the ands, buts, and ors; you don’t need both. Get Grammarly. This emphasizes a connection between independent clauses that would otherwise be separated by a full stop. Remember, semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or periods. Using a Semicolon to Link Sentences. Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas. You need a comma plus something to avoid a comma splice. When NOT to use it As stated above, the semicolon should never be used interchangeably with a colon. After all, that sly emoticon winky eye can’t be all bad. 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. But they can sure spice it up from time to time. However, this is only allowed if these terms are introducing an independent clause. You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Use a semicolon in the following instances. Semicolons have a number of functions in a sentence. We can go to the museum to do some research; Mondays are pretty quiet there. Money is the root of all evil; I don’t believe the reverse is necessarily true. A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses. The use of the semicolon in this context can mostly be seen in academic texts and reports. 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. (2) Few newly enrolled students know exactly what career path their studies will eventually offer ; most find their area of interest during their studies. The general answer is no. If you use semicolons in your writing, use them sparingly and apply the rules correctly. Semicolons are used to separate sentences that are closely related in content or theme. Do you use a capital letter after a semicolon? When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. The main use of the semicolon is to link two sentences. We’ll also take a look at the difference between semicolons and colons. For more information about semicolons, see the following links: Also watch the Mastering the Mechanics 2 and 3 webinars. , Write with confidence. Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items. The examples above are both made up of two complete, grammatically correct sentences glued together. I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; London, Ontario; Paris, France; Paris, Ontario; Perth, Scotland; Perth, Ontario. Didn't find what you need? Sounds pretty cunning to us. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines. Emoticons will never replace a solid knowledge of the English language. She … Does that mean you can use it like either one? We may use a semicolon to separate two sentences which are closely related in theme or content: (1) Come to my office tomorrow ; I will have the document prepared. I saw a magnificent albatross, and it was eating a mouse. If so, then you’re grammatically good to go as far as the semicolon is concerned. Reports of the damage caused by the hurricane were greatly exaggerated; indeed, the storm was not a “hurricane” at all. Instead, they’re somewhere in between: stronger than a comma but not quite as divisive as a period. Closely related to this, avoid CHOPPINESS. Semicolons (;) are as basic as a period stacked on top of a comma. Use a semicolon in the following instances. The semicolon is a good punctuation mark to have in your back pocket.

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