Table of Contents
What is a semicolon used for?
Semicolons with independent clauses 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 semicolon means?
In the context of grammar, a semicolon is used to combine two complete sentences that are related. “A semicolon represents a sentence the author could’ve ended but chose not to,” reads the organization’s slogan often seen on their Instagram page. “The author is you and the sentence is your life.”
How do you use a semicolon example?
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 3 ways to use a semicolon?
3 Ways to Use a Semicolon
- Use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses. An independent clause is a sentence that communicates a complete thought and makes sense on its own.
- Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.
- Use semicolons to separate items in a list.
Where does a semicolon go in a sentence?
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.
Are semicolons necessary?
Semicolons have two functions. They connect closely related independent clauses and they serve as sort of uber commas to manage unwieldy lists. Independent clauses by definition can stand alone as sentences. That means that a semicolon between them is never necessary.
Who came up with the semicolon tattoo?
Amy Bleuel
Amy Bleuel, a college student inspired by the loss of her father to suicide and her own long-standing battle with depression, started Project Semicolon in 2013, primarily in an effort to help destigmatize mental illness (2).
Is project semicolon still active?
Though Bleuel committed suicide in March 2017, Project Semicolon remains an active nonprofit support network, and this book…
When should semicolons be used?
When to use a colon or a semicolon?
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. Note: When the second clause expands on or explains the first, the colon is the better mark.
What is the meaning of the semicolon in Arabic?
In Arabic, the semicolon is called Fasila Manqoota (Arabic: فاصلة منقوطة ) which means literally “a dotted comma”, and is written inverted ؛. In Arabic, the semicolon has several uses: It can be used between two phrases, in which the first phrase causes the second. Example: “He played a lot; so, his clothes became dirty”.
Which is longer a semicolon or a comma?
It’s no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma’s, but short of a period’s full stop. Semicolons have other functions, too.
Can a semicolon be replaced with a period?
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.