The rules for using a semi-colon are fairly easy to understand. Let me quickly explain when and how to use a semi-colon. When to Use a Semi-colon A semi-colon should join two sentences that are related. This usually means they are about the same topic. Examples: Water is important; ...
example: I went to the store; unfortunately, it was closed. Don't use semicolons with conjunctions (and, or, but, for, yet...) If you need to pause with a conjunction, use a comma example: Our lunch tasted horrible, but we still ate it.Rule...
In the first example, we use a colon to indicate that the second sentence gives an explanation as to why Yuki is a great leader. In the second example, we use a semicolon to indicate the second sentence is closely related to the first sentence. However, the sentence following the semicol...
You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Let’s put that another way. The group of words that comes before the semicolon should form a complete sentence, the group of words that comes after the semicolon should form a complete sentence, and the two sentence...
1. Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Let’s put that another way. The group of words that comes before the semicolon should form a complete sentence, the group of words that comes after the semicolon shou...
Compound sentences are easy to identify because they usually use a coordinating conjunction, which you may remember as FANBOYS:for,and,nor,but,or,yet, andso. However, compound sentences can also use a semicolon to connect two clauses, in which case no conjunction is necessary. ...
Use a semicolon inside quotation marks when it’s part of the quoted material. “Take off your filthy shoes before coming into the house; helping keep the house clean is up to all of us,” said my father. 3 Do question marks and exclamation marks go inside quotes? If the question mark...
How to Use a Colon 3 Examples of Sentences With Colons Colon vs. Semicolon: What’s the Difference? Want to Learn More About Writing? N. K. Jemisin Teaches Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing What Is a Colon? A colon (:) is a punctuation mark that initiates a list, introduces a quote...
2. Semicolons Another way to join two clauses together is to use a semicolon. This method creates a smoother transition between two sentences than a period. Here’s an example fromExhalationby Ted Chiang: “But I’ve never prayed with the expectation that it would affect your actions; I...
Here are some examples of how to use commas after introductory phrases: Every morning,I go on a two-mile run to improve my cardiovascular health. Although he's been very generous,I don't think it would be wise to continue relying on his help. ...