When should you use a semicolon in a sentence?

When should you use a semicolon in a sentence?

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.

How do you use a semicolon example?

A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

In what three situations do we use a semicolon?

Here’s when to use a semicolon: To separate two independent clauses that are connected by a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb. To separate two independent clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction if those clauses are very long or already punctuated with commas.

How do you know when to use a colon or semicolon?

Semicolons should introduce evidence or a reason for the preceding statement; for example, this sentence appropriately uses a semicolon. A colon, on the other hand, should be used for a stronger, more direct relationship. It should provide emphasis, an example, or an explanation.

How do you use a colon in a list?

Colon

  1. Introducing a list. The colon is used to introduce a list of items.
  2. Between independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.
  3. Emphasis.

How do you list things after a colon?

When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending punctuation.

How do you introduce a list?

Format for Lists

  1. Use a colon to introduce the list items only if a complete sentence precedes the list.
  2. Use both opening and closing parentheses on the list item numbers or letters: (a) item, (b) item, etc.
  3. Use either regular Arabic numbers or lowercase letters within the parentheses, but use them consistently.

Can you use a semicolon to start a list?

It is usual to use commas to separate the items in a list. However, when the list items themselves contain commas, you can “outrank” those commas by using semicolons as the separators for your list items.

Is a colon used for a list?

Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate. Examples: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

Do you use semicolons in a bulleted list?

So, how should you punctuate bulleted lists? a comma or no punctuation for lists that do not contain the main verb. a full stop after each sentence for lists that contain at least one item with multiple sentences. a semicolon otherwise.

How do you use a colon and semicolon in a list?

Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.

Do you use a colon before a quote?

You can use a colon before a quotation when the quotation is at least one sentence. (The colon is justified because the quotation is two sentences.) When I asked him, he shouted: “nope!”

Do you use a colon before bullet points?

1. The text introducing the list of bullet points should end with a colon. 2. If the text that follows the bullet point is not a proper sentence, it doesn’t need to begin with a capital letter, nor end with a period.

How do you end a semicolon in a list?

If the items in the list are phrases or clauses with punctuation in them, put a semicolon at the end of each item. Put “and” (or, if logic dictates, “or”) after the next-to-last item in the list and a period after the last item. The items are not capitalized (except for proper nouns).

Do bullet points need periods in a resume?

Skip the periods. Remember: Bullet points are often fragments rather than complete sentences. But if you choose to use a period for one phrase, use one for every bullet to maintain consistency and make your resume look more uniform and professional.

Do we put full stops after bullet points?

you do not use full stops within bullet points – where possible start another bullet point or use commas, dashes or semicolons to expand. you do not put “or”, “and” after the bullet points. there is no punctuation at the end of bullet points.

What is text box used for?

A text box, text field or text entry box is a control element of a graphical user interface, that should enable the user to input text information to be used by a program.

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