What Is the Semicolon Rule

You can use semicolons to separate items in a list if they are long or contain internal punctuation. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers track divisions between items. All of this is wrong because the semicolon does not separate complete sentences. (The first and last should have only a comma in parentheses, while the second and third should meet the requirements of a colon and have one.) Here are some other examples of correct usage: Fortunately, there are a few rules that can make it easier for authors to keep the semicolon and comma question straight. Use a semicolon between closely related independent sentences that are not connected by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences that are not already connected by words like and, but, or, nor, for, thus, again. Before you dive into semicolon rules, first take the time to learn what a semicolon is. Do not use a semicolon for sentences with a dependent sentence that requires punctuation. Use a comma. For example, use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that already contain commas. If there is a subjunctive adverb or other type of transition sentence between the two independent sentences, the semicolon is used.

Example: You can replace the comma and coordinating conjunction with a semicolon because the connection between the two independent sentences is clear without the coordinating conjunction. Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence begins with a subjunctive adverb or transition phrase, such as It is, by the way, accordingly, beyond, but otherwise. Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are significantly related to a transition word. This rule means that an author can use semicolons between two complete sentences connected by transitional words, such as, in the meantime, following, similar, for example, in conclusion, etc. This transition word is often followed by a comma. Here`s a tip: you don`t have to guess if you`re using certain words correctly or if you`re breaking grammar rules in your writing. Simply copy and paste your texts into our grammar checker and get instant feedback to see if your sentences contain spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, or structural errors. Semicolons and commas play similar roles in a sentence, but colons and semicolons are often confused. A colon is used to introduce elements into a series or to open a formal letter.

It is part of the same rule; The conjunction in question is «but» instead of «and». In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Here`s another example where semicolons improve readability: What`s going on here? It is not clear what the three list items are because the items are separated by commas. This is one of the trickiest semicolon rules. If you associate two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction and these independent sentences are long and already contain commas, a semicolon works best. Here`s an example: a semicolon isn`t the only thing that can bind two stand-alone clauses together. Conjunctions (these are yours and, but and ors) can do it too. However, you should not use a semicolon or conjunction. That is, if you use a semicolon, use it instead of and, but and ors; You don`t need both. Use a semicolon to join two contiguous independent clauses instead of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, therefore, again). When using the semicolon, make sure that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.

This is easy to confuse because the adverb can look like a conjunction. Authors should examine carefully to determine whether the word is a conjunction or an adverb. If it is an adverb, use the semicolon. The main reason a writer would use a semicolon is if he separates two or more independent clauses but keeps them in the same sentence instead of using them as separate sentences. Although the two clauses are related in the above sentence, we cannot use a semicolon because the clauses are connected by the coordinating conjunction. We can use semicolon or conjunction, but not both. This sentence is perfectly punctuated, but the number of commas is somewhat alarming. In this case, the comma that marks the large sentence break can be replaced by a semicolon: Rule 5. Do not capitalize regular words after a semicolon. The correct use of semicolons is the hallmark of becoming a better writer. If you can acquire this skill and know-how, you will be able to write strong and clear sentences.

Rule 2: Use a semicolon before these words and terms, such as for example, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also best to use a comma after these words and terms. If a list of items contains commas in the list, such as cities with states, they need semicolons between them. Here`s an example: You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Let us put it another way. The group of words preceding the semicolon should form a complete sentence, the group of words after the semicolon should form a complete sentence, and the two sentences should have a close and logical connection: do you capitalize after a semicolon? A semicolon should only be capitalized if the word is a proper noun or acronym. The use of the semicolon suggests that the author considers the two smaller sentences to be more closely related than the two average consecutive sentences; The semicolon is preferred and often gives a more vivid sense of the relationship between the two. But note: the semicolon must be preceded by both a full sentence and followed by a full sentence. Don`t use the semicolon any other way: When it comes to grammar rules, semicolon rules are some of the hardest to remember, but this guide will help you understand them and keep them straight.

Under no circumstances do you get into the habit of using a semicolon (or anything else) just to mark a breathing space. Your reader will be quite capable of performing their own breathing, provided your sentence is well punctuated; Punctuation is an aid to understanding, not breathing. Semicolon rules can be difficult to pin down, but they are important. Semicolons aren`t just stronger versions of a comma. Use semicolons to replace commas when individual elements in a line are long or contain commas. Use a semicolon instead of a comma to separate elements. There is a special circumstance in which a semicolon can be used to separate sequences that are not complete sentences. This happens when a sentence has become so long and so full of commas that the reader can hardly expect to follow it without a special mark. In this case, we sometimes find semicolons instead of commas to mark the most important breaks in the sentence: these semicolons are actually used to mark places where the reader can stop to catch their breath. Consider the following example: a semicolon would be impossible in the last example because the sequence after the decimal point is not a complete sentence.

This is precisely why you cannot replace a semicolon with a comma. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the above sentences would result in a comma splicing. And nothing is as painful as a comma. Rule 1a. A semicolon can replace a period if the author wants to reduce the gap between two closely related sentences. Rule 4. A semicolon can be used between independent clauses connected by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., if one or more commas appear in the first clause. These words sometimes appear in other parts of a sentence; Therefore, the semicolon rule only applies if it helps the subjunctive adverb join two independent sentences. (See what we did there?) Although semicolons and commas are used in similar cases, such as the list of items in a row, they are not the same thing. A semicolon has certain times when it is grammatically correct to use this punctuation mark.

If you have a subjunctive adverb that joins two independent propositions, you must use a semicolon. Some common subjunctive adverbs include beyond, but otherwise, finite, also and therefore then. The semicolon and comma do similar things in a sentence. The two ideas separate to make the meanings clearer. However, semicolon rules are somewhat different from comma rules and deserve closer examination. You may also find our explanation of the presence of a period in parentheses useful. Use a semicolon between related sentences if the second sentence begins with a subjunctive adverb or transition phrase. In summary, a semicolon connects two related ideas by narrowing the gap between the ideas of two separate sentences or replacing a conjunction between two related ideas. This also applies to contrast: just because two ideas are opposite or contradictory doesn`t mean they`re not close enough to merit a semicolon.

What is going on? The first part is not a standalone clause, so no semicolon is required. Here`s a hint: if you used a comma and an «and» to tie two related ideas together, think of the period (you know, the top of the semicolon) as a substitute for «and.» Use a semicolon in lists with internal punctuation, such as commas, to indicate where list items are separated. If semicolons can link independent clauses that would otherwise have a period or conjunction between them, it means that they can also have a contrast.