possibly because people are afraid of using it incorrectly. This is unfortunate; the semicolon can really spice up your writing if you know how to use it. The semicolon may be one of the trickier marks that we use, but it’s not as intimidating as most people think. If you take the...
How to Use a Semicolon Correctly Narrator:Don’t you hate it when you’re writing, and argh, you hit this. Yeah, I know, it’s a semicolon, but when was the last time you even used it? It certainly seems like we should be u...
Of course, the trick is knowing when to use a semicolon and when to use a colon. It isn’t always easy to tell which one is more appropriate than the other, especially since they look so similar. Let’s take a look at the major differences between the two to help you make ...
Another reason to use a semicolon is to draw attention to how related your two clauses are. The semicolon in our example sentence highlights that thereasonyou can’t go out tonight is that you have a big test tomorrow. You wouldn’t write, “English is my fifth period class; I can’...
Do you want to learn an easy, smart method to upgrade your English writing? A way to get higher grades and better job prospects, while looking more educated? Watch this important lesson and learn all about the semi-colon. I explain exactly what this punc
Semicolons and Coordinating Conjunctions You should never use a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction such as “and,”“so,” and “but” to join two main clauses; that’s the job of a comma. If you want to use a coordinating conjunction, you’d write it like this: I have a big...
2. Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses.Conjunctions(that’s your ands, buts, and ors) can do that too. But you shouldn’t use a semicolonanda conjunction. That means when you use a semicolon, you us...
2. Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses.Conjunctions(that’s your ands, buts, and ors) can do that too. But you shouldn’t use a semicolonanda conjunction. That means when you use a semicolon, you us...
Semicolon after PS: Don’t use a semicolon after PS, as semicolons are used to connect two related independent clauses in a single sentence. Comma after PS: Adding a comma after PS is considered grammatically incorrect. Dash after PS: An em dash is typically used to set off additional ...
1.Separating two independent clauses: You can use a colon to separate two independent clauses when the second clause clarifies or explains the first, as in “You can take me to the train station now: I am ready to leave.” Each of these independent clauses can function on its own, but...