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.
Can you use 3 semicolons in one sentence?
In this context, it’d be ok to use multiple ones in the list but not ok to use them to link sentences (this being the general rule – let me flesh this one out below).
How do you use multiple semicolons?
Generally, no. It serves the same structural function as a period, but indicates a relationship between the two independent clauses. That kind of falls to pieces if you start stringing them together. If if you’ve got two semicolons, just make one a period.
What is colon example?
A colon can be used to introduce a list. … For example, “Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter.” The words preceding the colon stand as a complete, grammatically correct sentence. The list offers further explanation.
How do you not use a semicolon?
Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. 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.
Why use a colon instead of a comma?
Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations. … Rule: A colon is used to introduce a second sentence that clarifies the first sentence.
What is a colon example?
A colon can be used to introduce a list. … For example, “Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter.” The words preceding the colon stand as a complete, grammatically correct sentence. The list offers further explanation.
How many semi colons can you use in a row?
Generally, no. It serves the same structural function as a period, but indicates a relationship between the two independent clauses. That kind of falls to pieces if you start stringing them together. If if you’ve got two semicolons, just make one a period.
How many semicolons is too many?
There are no upper limits on how many semicolons you can use; in fact, there aren’t set limits on the number of adjectives you can use to describe a noun, or the number of clauses that can be attached to another relative clause, either; grammar doesn’t normally prescribe such limits; leave it to the legal profession to …
What does a semicolon tattoo mean?
A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.
Can you use too many semicolons?
Semicolons and colons indicate sophisticated writing. Remember that using too many semicolons and colons can make a paper look cluttered, particularly a shorter paper. Use them sparingly in order to add variety to the methods utilized to connect sentences.
Can you use a semicolon and a colon in the same sentence?
Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. Examples: I have lived in many large cities: Baltimore, Maryland; Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Florida. In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities.
Can you use semicolons in a list?
Semicolons can be used to link items in a list, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a ‘super comma’.
What is the difference between a colon and a semicolon?
Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.
When should you use a colon?
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. (She had one love: Western Michigan University.)
When would you use a colon?
You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related. Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing.
What is the most common usage for a colon?
Common uses of colons
- To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation. …
- To join sentences. …
- To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions. …
- Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement.
How do you use a colon and semicolon?
Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.
What is wrong with semicolons?
The semicolon has two jobs, one pretty bad, one terrible. First, semicolons can be used to separate items that are too unwieldy to be handled by mere commas. … Here’s the rule: Whenever you have two “closely related” clauses, you can join them with a semicolon instead of separating them with a period.
Can I use a colon and semicolon in the same sentence?
Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. … In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities. Semicolons are used to separate each city and state from the next city and state in the list.
When should you not use a colon?
Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as « such as, » « including, » and « for example. » Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.
What is the proper way to use a colon?
You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related. Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing.
What is an example of a colon sentence?
A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence. Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.
What are colon sentences?
Colons are punctuation marks used to signal when what comes next is directly related to the previous sentence. They are used after complete sentences. It is especially important to remember that a colon is not used after a sentence fragment.
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