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What does a semicolon mean in writing?
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
What does semicolon mean example?
A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that is used to separate and connect independent clauses or when something stronger than a comma is needed. Most often, semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses instead of using a comma + conjunction. Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not.
What is an example of a sentence with a semicolon?
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 semicolon rules?
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.
Should I use a colon or semicolon?
Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. A colon, on the other hand, should be used for a stronger, more direct relationship. It should provide emphasis, an example, or an explanation.
What three main things can semicolons replace?
‘ A semicolon is often used to replace a coordinating conjunction like ‘and’ or ‘but’. The sentence about Sandip could have been written like this: ‘Sandip spent three hours in the library but he couldn’t find the book he wanted.
How do you use a colon and semicolon in a sentence?
What is the purpose of semicolon?
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.
What are some examples of colons?
Colons in Sentences
- There are two choices at this time: run away or fight.
- We knew who would win the game: the Eagles.
- He wanted to see three cities in Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice.
- Here are three states that begin with M: Michigan, Mississippi, and Maine.
When to use a semicolon between two sentences?
2. To join two sentences. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand on its own (independently)—it is a complete sentence. Semicolons can be used between two independent clauses. The semicolon keeps the clauses somewhat separate, like a period would do, so we can easily tell which ideas belong to which clause.
When to use a semicolon in a pleading?
In pleadings, lawyers commonly make lists of complete sentences. If that lists starts with a colon, then grammatically, the listed items should also be a part of the same sentence. Each of the clauses should be separated by semicolons under the two (or several) independent clauses and the super comma rules.
When does a comma turn into a semicolon?
That something can either be the right conjunction or the period that turns a comma into a semicolon. If semicolons can link independent clauses that would otherwise have a period or a conjunction between them, that means they can demonstrate contrast, too.
Do you capitalize the colon after a semicolon?
On the one hand, the colon is not ending a sentence, so one would think that each sentence should not be capitalized, and should not end with a period. On the other hand, long sentences or multiple sentences look funny without capitalization, and it would be incorrect to have a capital letter after a semicolon.