When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?
Rule to Remember Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.
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.
Where do we use colons?
Common uses of colons
- To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation.
- To join sentences.
- To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions.
- Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement.
How do you use colons?
The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. In such usage, the colon functions in much the same way as the semicolon. As with the semicolon, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless the word is ordinarily capitalized.
What is the purpose of the semicolon?
A semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them. Include a semicolon before the final conjunction.
Can you use a colon and semicolon in the same sentence?
Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities.
How do you use semicolons in a series?
To clarify, use a semicolon to separate the various items in the series. “I saw a duck, the kind with the green head; Fred, a magician; and a liquor store, which sells Japanese whisky.” 2. You can place a semicolon between two related independent clauses.
Can you use multiple semicolons in a sentence?
Generally, no. It serves the same structural function as a period, but indicates a relationship between the two independent clauses. That kind of falls to pieces if you start stringing them together. If if you’ve got two semicolons, just make one a period.
Do you use a comma when listing 3 things?
Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Lists of three or more words, phrases, and clauses require commas between each item. For example: a. The fox shouts, cackles, and yells.
When listing things do you use a comma?
Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.
Do you need a comma after the last item in a list?
Do not place a comma after the last item in the list (see fourth example below) unless the structure of the sentence otherwise requires it (see third example below, in which the comma after audience is required to separate an introductory dependent clause from the main clause).
How do you punctuate a list in a sentence?
Use lowercase for the text of in-sentence lists items, except when regular capitalization rules require caps. Punctuate the list items with commas if they are not complete sentences; with semicolons, if they are complete sentences. Use the same spacing for in-sentence lists as in regular non-list text.
Does a complex sentence need a comma?
Unnecessary Commas in Complex Sentences Generally, if the dependent clause comes second in a complex sentence, a comma is not used. In the last example, the dependent clause was used before the independent clause, so a comma was placed in this complex sentence.
What is an example of a complex sentence?
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent and at least one dependent clause (sometimes called a subordinate clause). When these two types of clauses appear in a sentence, we create a complex sentence. Consider this example: I like to eat the candy before I watch a movie.