answersLogoWhite

0

There are two common situations that generally require using semicolons:

  1. Use semicolons to separate independent clauses that do not have a coordinating conjunction between them.

    Example: Joan went down to the beach with her mystery novel; Tina stayed in the house to finish her homework.

    Note, however, that words like however and therefore are not coordinating conjunctions but rather conjunctive adverbs, and you still need a semicolon between clauses if the second one begins with a conjunctive adverb.

    Example: Joan had finished her homework; therefore, she felt entitled to relax at the beach with her novel.

    If you use a comma instead of a semicolon in these places, it is an error called a commasplice.

    If you omit the semicolon and do not use any punctuation in its place, it is an error called a run-on sentence.

  2. Use semicolons to separate items in a list when these items are long and complex, especially if the items themselves contain commas.

    Example: Please bring one of the following: an appetizer, especially "finger food" that does not require utensils; a salad or vegetable dish, hot or cold; or sweet individual treats like cookies, brownies, small pastries, or cupcakes.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can you put a semicolon before and?

Typically, the semicolon implies " and" and therefore using and after a semicolon is redundant.


Which symbol is used as a statement terminator in C?

semicolon ';' (Not applicable for block-statements)


Do you use and after a semicolon?

No, the word "and" should not follow a semicolon. Semicolons are used to separate independent clauses; if you want to include "and," it would typically be used within one of the independent clauses separated by the semicolon.


Can a semicolon introduce a quotation?

No, a semicolon is not used to introduce a quotation. Quotations are usually introduced by a colon or with quotation marks. A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses or in a series when the items require commas.


What does semicolon mean?

A semicolon is a symbol that looks like this:;


What does the semicolon and colon means?

A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses in a sentence. A colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, example, or a quote.


How many spaces follow a semicolon?

Generally, there is one space that follows a semicolon in written English. This space is used to create clear separation between the semicolon and the next word or phrase.


What is a punctuation mark that is used between clauses of a compound sentence when a conjunction is not used?

The semicolon is used, often with a conjunctive adverb, or between independent clauses. A semicolon is also used between words in a series when parts of the series contain commas.


What is a semicolon and how is its used?

A semicolon is a punctuation mark used to separate independent clauses in a sentence when a conjunction is not present. It can also be used to separate items in a list when those items contain commas.


What punctuation mark can be used to show a compound sentence?

A semicolon can be used to show a compound sentence. It joins two closely related independent clauses.


Do you use a semicolon before except?

No, a semicolon is not typically used before "except" in a sentence. Instead, a comma may be used to separate clauses or phrases when necessary.


Which of the following puctuation marks is a semicolon?

A semicolon looks like this ;