22 Apr What is a Semicolon Used For
What is a Semicolon Used
For?
What is a semicolon?
A semicolon is a punctuation
mark that consists of a period above a comma. It looks like this (;).
What is a Semicolon
Used For?
Semicolons are most
commonly used to indicate pauses between two independent clauses in a sentence.
When a semicolon is used, it typically indicates a pause that is stronger than
a pause indicated by a comma. To use a semicolon instead of another punctuation
mark, such as a comma, the two independent clauses must be closely related in
thought. When semicolons are used to link two or more parts or ideas in a
sentence, the ideas that are being linked are given equal rank or position.
In addition to being
used to indicate pauses between two independent clauses, semicolons are also
used to separate items in a list if the list items contain commas. When a
semicolon is used in this way, it is to eliminate confusion that might be
caused by trying to use a comma to separate list items that already contain
commas.
Examples of
Semicolons Used in Sentences
·
Some
people like to run on treadmills; others prefer to run outside.
·
The
school building is red; it is also made of brick.
·
I
ordered another slice of pizza; one wasn’t enough.
When to Use
Semicolons?
You should use a
semicolon in all of the following situations:
1. To connect related independent clauses
She gave me a watch; she knew that was my
favorite type of gift.
2. In the place of a conjunction between two
independent clauses
I
need sunshine; I need to be outside.
3. With a conjunctive adverb or transitional
phrase
I
finished my work out early; as a result, I made it home sooner than I expected.
4. To separate items in a list in which commas
are used
Filming
locations included London, England; Austin, Texas; and New Orleans, Louisiana,
Semicolons vs. Colons