When To Use A Semicolon - The Grammar Guide. To separate elements in a series that already contain commas. A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
How to use a semicolon The Oatmeal
The participants in the first study were paid; Semicolons separate phrases or items in a list or series. When a semicolon is part of a list, it’s between items in the list, rather than at the beginning. When a semicolon is used to join. To separate elements in a series that already contain commas. Use semicolons in a serial list. Just because two ideas are opposed or contradictory, that doesn’t mean they aren’t related closely enough to earn themselves a semicolon. Next, we would use a semicolon at the end of every line except for the last line to indicate the items are separated within continuing, punctuated text. However, if you want to make it sound graceful, you connect the two typically short clauses. To separate two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction.
The semicolon is used to mark a break between two main clauses when there is a balance or a contrast between the clauses. When to use a semicolon: However, a semicolon isn't used the same way a period or comma is—it has its own rules for when and how it can be used. That goes for showing contrast, too: If the text that follows the semicolon could not stand alone as a complete sentence, do not use a. Use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms. As well as in sentences, a semicolon (;) is often correctly used to separate items in a list. You can also use the semicolon for the items separation for the list that contains. The semicolon is used to mark a break between two main clauses when there is a balance or a contrast between the clauses. If you want to check whether or not you’re using a semicolon correctly, just read the two clauses on their own and see if they make sense.
