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A comma and a semi-colon both serve to separate parts of sentence that have their own specific subject matter, but the separation is slightly greater in the case of a semi-colon; it marks off a statement that could almost but not quite serve as a new sentence, rather than merely as a clause of the ongoing sentence. Commas are a lesser degree of separation.

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12y ago
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5h ago

A comma is used to separate items in a list or to join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction or to separate items in a list when those items already contain commas. Review the context of the sentence and determine if the parts can stand alone as complete sentences.

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Q: How can you tell when a sentence needs a comma or semicolon?
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What is the grammar rule for a semicolon?

A semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. It is also used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.


Does a comma always go before which in a sentence?

No, a comma is not always necessary before "which" in a sentence. Use a comma before "which" when introducing a nonessential clause, but do not use a comma before "which" when introducing an essential clause.


Should there be a comma before 'which'?

A comma before "which" depends on whether it introduces a nonessential clause. If the information following "which" is necessary for the sentence's meaning, no comma is needed. However, if the clause is nonessential, a comma before "which" is appropriate.


Where would you use a comma after a conjunction?

You would use a comma after a conjunction when the sentence structure calls for it. For example: "Tell me what the weather will be tomorrow and, if good, whether you want to go to the park." The conjunction is "and" but the phrase "if good" is conditional and must be separated by commas. == True, you use a comma after a conjunction when the sentence structure calls for it. To explain the example given above, the comma after if good denotes the separation of an introductory prepositional phrase. The sentence itself is awkward, and conversational--not really proper written English. It works though. Generally, a comma follows a conjunction in the event a conjuntive adverb is used. Like so: I want to go to the movies; however, I have other work to do first.Any time you use a transitional word like however in the manner in this example, it is a conjunctive adverb. Think of it this way: if the sentence can be made into two complete sentences, but you want to join them, do so with a conjunctive adverb. End the first clause with a semicolon, insert the CV, follow that with a comma, and drive on.


Is it correct to say When you get back home tell her to call me?

Yes, it is correct to say 'when you get back home, tell her to call me'. You insert a comma after the word 'home'.

Related questions

What is the grammar rule for a semicolon?

A semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. It is also used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.


Does a comma always go before which in a sentence?

No, a comma is not always necessary before "which" in a sentence. Use a comma before "which" when introducing a nonessential clause, but do not use a comma before "which" when introducing an essential clause.


Should there be a comma before 'which'?

A comma before "which" depends on whether it introduces a nonessential clause. If the information following "which" is necessary for the sentence's meaning, no comma is needed. However, if the clause is nonessential, a comma before "which" is appropriate.


Where would you use a comma after a conjunction?

You would use a comma after a conjunction when the sentence structure calls for it. For example: "Tell me what the weather will be tomorrow and, if good, whether you want to go to the park." The conjunction is "and" but the phrase "if good" is conditional and must be separated by commas. == True, you use a comma after a conjunction when the sentence structure calls for it. To explain the example given above, the comma after if good denotes the separation of an introductory prepositional phrase. The sentence itself is awkward, and conversational--not really proper written English. It works though. Generally, a comma follows a conjunction in the event a conjuntive adverb is used. Like so: I want to go to the movies; however, I have other work to do first.Any time you use a transitional word like however in the manner in this example, it is a conjunctive adverb. Think of it this way: if the sentence can be made into two complete sentences, but you want to join them, do so with a conjunctive adverb. End the first clause with a semicolon, insert the CV, follow that with a comma, and drive on.


What is the grammatical term for who or what a sentence is about?

The subject is who or what a sentence is about; the sentence should describe or tell something about the subject. The subject always needs a verb, showing what is happening in the sentence.


Does the sentence below need a semicolon He was hungry it was hours past lunch time?

Yes, it does. You can tell by putting a period in the spot where you think the semicolon should go and see if it makes sense. For example: He was hungry it was hours past lunch time. He was hungry. It was hours past lunch time. He was hungry; it was hours past lunch time.


Example of a sentence to set off nouns of direct address using a comma?

Rebecca, go clean your room! John, you have a visitor. Can I go? Please, mom, please! For you, Maggie, I will do it. Tell me, Mike, did you really say that?


How can u tell that a boy like you?

this is how he either stare at u or you both have something in comma


Do you need put comma before and after by definition?

To me I think you should or maybe tell an English teacher.


Is it correct to say When you get back home tell her to call me?

Yes, it is correct to say 'when you get back home, tell her to call me'. You insert a comma after the word 'home'.


Is this semicolon used correctly Kimi bought three CDs at the mall Millennium Baby One More Time and 98 Degrees and Rising?

Since WikiAnswers format does not allow the use of semicolons in questions, the only way someone could answer this question would be if you were to tell us where the semicolon is.


What is a Precis on Maniac Magee it needs to be in a certain format?

This is the format Skip a line. 1st Sentence: Discuss the setting. 2nd Sentence: Tell about the main character/characters. 3rd Sentence: Discuss the main conflict. Be sure to identify the type of conflict (e.g. man vs. man). 4th Sentence: Discuss the plot. 5th Sentence: Discuss more of the plot. 6th Sentence: Tell about the denouement or resolution of the story. 7th Sentence: Discuss the theme of the novel.