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A semicolon is used to link two independent clauses, or essentially, two complete sentences, without the use of a conjunction. For example:

She and I are best friends. We talk every night.

can be two stand alone sentences, but can also be joined with a semicolon to become

She and I are best friends; we talk every night.

If the two phrases can stand alone but are of the same thought and topic, they can be joined with a semicolon. A semicolon is not used to join a dependent clause to an independent clause, for example

Though we are best friends; we do not talk often.

is incorrect. A comma would be proper.

Semicolons are also not used in lists (Go to the store and pick up eggs, bacon, tomatoes and bread) UNLESS the items in the list are very long and contain internal commas. In such an instance, it is acceptable to use semicolons to separate the items in the list for clarity. For example:

Please speak to Mr. Brown, the dentist; Ms. Jackson, the painter; Mr. Williams, the taxi driver; and Mrs. Hengle, the hairstylist.

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16y ago

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Well, according to what I learned when I was in Algebra I, you should never have to use a semicolon.


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I can give you several sentences.You use a semicolon to separate two clauses.A semicolon is like a comma with a period on top of it.You need to learn how to use the semicolon properly.


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A gerund is a verb with the -ing suffix, often turning it from a verb into the subject of a sentence. It is grammatically correct to use one after a semicolon as long as the clause after the semicolon is still independent, that is, it can still stand alone as a separate sentence.


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I wouldn't use a semicolon in a conditional (if) sentence. Semicolons can join two independent clauses without a conjunction. The "if" clause in a conditional sentence is dependent, not independent.


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To replace conjunctions and, or, but and to connect the main clauses in a compound sentence


When should you not use a semicolon?

You should not use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses that are not closely related in meaning. Additionally, it is incorrect to use a semicolon before conjunctions like "and," "but," or "or" when they connect independent clauses. Semicolons should also be avoided when connecting dependent clauses or items in a list that already contain commas.


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Can two independent clauses be joined by using a semicolon between the clauses without a conjunction?

Yes, that is one of the most common uses of a semicolon. If there is a conjunction joining the clauses, however, you should use a comma instead of a semicolon.


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When using a semicolon you put one space after the semicolon.


What is the Tagalog of semicolon?

Tagalog translation of semicolon: tutuldok