Can you use semicolon in formal writing?
Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.
Can you use colon for emphasis?
A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.
Does a semicolon make 2 sentences?
Semicolons connect two complete sentences. Semicolons can connect two related, independent clauses. Colons typically connect dependent clauses (incomplete sentences), though there are rare cases where a colon can join two independent clauses for the purpose of emphasizing the second clause.
Can you use a comma instead of a semicolon in a sentence?
Yes, that means there are six total sentences up there—and thanks to the semicolon, only two capital letters. That’s exactly why you can’t substitute a comma for a semicolon. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a comma splice.
When do you use semicolons in a list?
Use Semicolons in a Serial List. You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items.
What’s the difference between a colon and a semicolon?
The semicolon is the colon’s quirkier sibling. While the colon is simply two dots stacked : the semicolon is a dot hovering over a comma ; 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.
Do you capitalize the letter after a semicolon?
Notice that the letter following the semicolon is not capitalized. The examples above are both made up of two complete, grammatically correct sentences glued together. Yes, that means there are four total sentences up there—and thanks to the semicolon, only two capital letters.