answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Typically, if a list of items has semicolons separating each item, commas are not required.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Use a semi-colon to separate items in a series that already contains commas?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Should a semicolon be used to separate two phrases if one of them contains commas at all not just in a list?

A semicolon should be used to separate two independent clauses, especially if the clauses are closely related. Using a semicolon can help clarify the relationship between the ideas presented in each clause, even if one of the clauses contains commas within it.


Does a comma and semicolon function the same way?

No they do not. Semicolons can separate independent clauses; commas cannot do that.


What do you use semicolon for?

There are four rules for semicolon use. First, they replace a period if the pause is to be shorter than that of a period. Second, they are used before words such as 'namely', 'however' and other words when they introduce a complete sentence. Third, they separate words in a series when the series contains units that have commas, such as Springfield, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; and Houston, Texas. Lastly, they are used as a connector between independent clauses when there are already one or more commas in the first clause.


Can you use a semicolon instead of a comma in a a list?

Yes, a semicolon can be used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. For example: "I have visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain."


Can you use a semicolon in lists?

Yes, a semicolon can be used in lists to separate items when there are already commas within the individual items. For example: "I need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas; milk, eggs, and bread; and butter, sugar, and flour." The semicolon helps clarify the separation between the different groups of items.


Does a semicolon replace a comma?

A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related, while a comma is used to separate elements or clauses within a sentence. So, a semicolon can sometimes replace a comma when connecting two closely related independent clauses.


Do compound sentences have to include a comma?

Yes, it most deffinetly does. When you combine two sentences you should always use a comma, unless the sentence already has many commas in it. In which case you get ride of the conjunction and use a semicolon(;).


Can you use commas instead of a semicolon with nevertheless?

Yes, you can use a comma instead of a semicolon with "nevertheless" when connecting two independent clauses. For example: "She was tired, nevertheless, she persisted."


When do you use a semicolon?

Use a semicolonto separate two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunctionExample:The participants in the first study were paid; those in the second were unpaid.to separate elements in a series that already contain commas


What do you use a semicolon for?

A semicolon is used: a) When two complete sentences are too closely connected to be separated by a full stop but do not make sense if they are put in one sentence. E.g: "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." b) When a list is compiled and the items are several words long. (When the items in the list are only one word long each, commas are used instead). E.g: (instead of bread, butter, eggs, milk.) White French baguette; soft whipped butter; organic English eggs; one pint of semi- skimmed milk. Hope that helps :) x Different answer: A semicolon is more important than a comma and less important than a period. You should always defer to periods and commas if possible. There is no reason not to use commas in the example above using multi-words such as soft whipped butter. Commas will do fine. They separate the sections of the sentence. If you use other punctuation in the sentence then semicolons can divide up those sections. That would probably be the most common usage. Such as: The recipe uses soft whipped butter, salt, and green tapioca in the first addition; apples, oranges, and purple honeydew in the second addition; and Limburger cheese, tomatoes, and fuzzy peaches in the last addition. My old Macmillan Handbook of English has three uses for a semicolon: 1. A semicolon is used between the co-ordinate clauses of a compound sentence when they are not joined by one of the co-ordinating conjunctions. 2. A semicolon is used between the co-ordinate clauses of a compound sentence with one of the following conjunctive adverbs: therefore, however, hence, accordingly, furthermore, nevertheless, and consequently. 3. A semicolon is used between the clauses of a compound sentence joined by a co-ordinating conjunction when the clauses are long and when they contain other punctuation, or when a more distinct pause than the comma would give is desirable. Chief co-ordinating conjuctions are: and, for, but, or, nor, yet.


When you use a comma and when you use a semicolon in a sentence?

Commas are over-used. If writing is clear enough they can probably be eliminated altogether. Think of them as indicating when you would make a natural pause in a sentence. Semicolons are different; they indicate a break in a sentence where you could alternatively put a full stop, or period. As a very general rule, if you can replace a semicolon with a full stop/period and both sections of the sentence can stand alone as sentences, then the semicolon is probably ok. Commas indicate places where a natural pause occurs in the sentence. Semicolons separate predicates that can each stand alone as proper sentences.


Which punctuation mark can you use to connect independent clauses?

All of the above