The other most common use of semicolons is to separate lists when commas are present within the list itself which is part of a single independent clause. You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Semicolon Uses. The most feared punctuation on earth. The semicolon ( ; ) is a powerful mark of punctuation with three uses. Semicolons are most often used to separate two equal independent clauses within one complete sentence. The first appropriate use of the semicolon is to connect two related main clauses (complete sentences). But with proper use and restraint, semicolons can be a very important gizmo in your grammar tool kit. Each item in the sentence … A conjunctive adverb connects ideas in a sentence: however. I bought apples, oranges, and pears; but I couldn’t find bananas. If you would like a regular serving of grammar-related awesomeness every day, go follow her on Twitter. A semicolon provides a break in the flow of the writing—more of a break than that provided by a comma—for the purpose of providing clarity … Delivered to your inbox! Instructions to a computer are usually conveyed in the form of statements. Let’s put that another way. Place a semicolon after each item in the series except for the last item. Note that, unlike commas and periods, a semicolon that punctuates the larger sentence is placed outside quotation marks and parentheses: For her birthday, Harry gave Mabel an apron that said "Number 1 Cook"; Mabel cordially accepted it but has yet to wear it. Glamor or Glamour – What’s the Difference? Each clause should be able to stand alone as a complete sentence, but the purpose of the semicolon is to indicate that the ideas are closely related. Here are the two most common uses of the semicolon: For example: There’s a reason a semicolon is a comma with a period above it. My doctor told me I shouldn’t be concerned; but I didn’t know how else to react. In other spheres, like no-BS non-fiction and academic writing, semicolons can be powerful tools for adding meaning and clarity to an argument. most often used to join closely related sentences. “Punctuation…?” a thirty-five-page illustrated punctuation guide created by User designexplains the difference between both kinds of colon: “A semicolon links two balanced statements; a colon explains or unpacks the statement or information before it.” If that’s not clear enough, here is another quote that will help you fe… How is the Semicolon Different from a Colon? And like a colon, it signals that what follows it is closely related to what comes before it. Place the last semicolon before the coordinating conjunction. Semicolons are used especially when the second clause is introduced by an adverb or a short phrase, such as however, indeed, thus, in that case, as a result, on the other hand, for example, or that is: Mabel did not take kindly to the encroachment of Harry into her personal cooking space; indeed, she at one point responded to the sudden appearance of his muzzle at her elbow with a distinct and species-appropriate hiss. But we must terminate the statement by using the semicolon which is the best practice. Kids Definition of semicolon. A dolphin is not fish: it is a warm-blooded mammal. Semicolons can also be used when writing a list. How to use a semicolon. A semicolon is used in place of a comma to separate phrases or items in a list or series when the phrases or items themselves contain commas or are especially long: Harry set out to find a dessert that would demonstrate his deep appreciation of Mabel's meal. MERGE statement using semicolon terminator. Semicolon definition: A semicolon is a punctuation mark that is used to separate equal grammatical units. Semicolons are used to unite sentences that have equal weight and importance. Generally, semicolons are used to connect two or more related, but independent, clauses in the same sentence. When a sentence contains multiple commas in the first clause, it is appropriate to use a semicolon before a conjunction to join two clauses. The research is conclusive: climate change is a reality. We can also use semicolons to combine independent clauses that have an inherent relationship with one another (such as contrast or causation) into a larger compound sentence. Let’s go to lunch; I forgot to bring food. Semicolons have other functions, too. Set your young readers up for lifelong success. : a punctuation mark; that can be used to separate parts of a sentence which need clearer separation than would be shown by a comma, to separate main clauses which have no conjunction between, and to separate phrases and clauses containing commas. In short sentences, a comma often replaces the semicolon: Mabel's cooking prowess, honed through years of complex feasts, was formidable; the interruption of its application ill-advised. Like a period or colon, it often marks the end of a complete clause (that is, a sentence part that has its own subject and verb). Uses of the Semicolon Some writers mistakenly use semicolons to connect fragments or sentences that really should be two separate sentences. Role of Semicolon in C++: Semicolon is a command in C++. Therefore, they are called semicolons, which literally means “half colon.”. I couldn’t believe the result; and I didn’t know what to do after hearing it. I wanted three things for my birthday: a necklace, a bike, and a phone. accordingly. More Comics. A semicolon creates a longer stop for the reader. A colon introduces a new thought that requires capitalization; a semicolon joins two ideas that are similar in nature. A period is used to end a sentence. The semicolon looks like a comma with a period above it, and this can be a good way to remember what it does. 4. For example, this summary could say "Semicolons are useful; they show that clauses are related in meaning.". How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe... Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Semicolon is often used to delimit one bit of C++ source code, indicating it’s intentionally separated from the respective code. It’s halfway between the two. The Semicolon lets the compiler know that it’s reached the end of a command. Random Popular Latest. If a writer chooses to create a longer, more dramatic pause, he may decide to use a semicolon instead of a comma. A semicolon is a type of punctuation mark. MERGE allows us to run INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements in a single command and can be very useful while synchronizing tables. A woman getting a semicolon tattoo at last year's event. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolon Example: By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated. Printer Fabulous! A semicolon is also used to balance two halves of a sentence. Define semicolon: the definition of semicolon is a punctuation mark that separates parts that need a more substantial break than a comma can provide but less than a period. Photo by The Semicolon Tattoo Project. The semicolon is the colon's quirkier sibling. Study Up With Our Official SCRABBLE Dictionary, A Word Game Player's Guide to 'Q' without 'U' Words. Words after a semicolon should not be capitalized. instead. The semicolon or semi-colon; is a symbol commonly used as orthographic punctuation. Semicolons General Use of Semicolons. In 2014, The Semicolon Tattoo Project held an event at several tattoo shops where people could get a semicolon tattoo for a flat rate. However, when the items in the list contain commas themselves, semicolons should be used to separate the items in the complex list. More grammar comics from The Oatmeal. 2. Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » When to Use A Semicolon: How to Use A Semicolon. A semicolon separates related independent clauses that are joined without a coordinating conjunction, such as and: Mabel the Cat had made a big pot of goulash; it was simmering on the stove. Separate items that contain commas in a series. Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon. The scent of the baking bread was sublime, the perfume of the goulash intoxicating. Linking Items in a List Write a sentence that contains a complicated list. A semicolon joins two independent thoughts that are closely related. It might be easy to confuse the comma and the semicolon because they share a resemblance. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop. Click on the movie icon to the left to watch a poor-man's animated exercise on uses of the colon; click on the movie icon to the right to watch a poor-man's animated exercise on uses of the semicolon. Use the semicolon to connect two independent clauses or a … A colon gives greater emphasis on the second sentence where the semicolon balances the two sentences. Semicolons are end stop punctuation marks: they are used to mark the end of a sentence. Semicolons and colons are punctuation marks with separate functions. While you can also use a semicolon or a period between two independent-yet-related clauses, the colon is a little softer than the period, but a little harder than the semicolon. A semicolon can also replace a comma between two clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction like and in cases where the sentence might otherwise be confusing—for example, because of particularly long clauses, or the presence of other commas: As Mabel's culinary efforts continued, with bread baking in the oven and a cabbage dish just begun, she admonished Harry to keep out of her way; but Harry's ability to remain at a decent distance from the stove was severely challenged. Learn a new word every day. Semicolons look like a combination of a colon and a comma. Like hot sauce and light sabers, the semicolon should be used judiciously. The only words that should be capitalized after a semicolon are proper nouns, which are always capitalized. Now going back to the semi-colon. When too many commas are used in one sentence, the sentence becomes confusing. Such an adverb or phrase can also appear elsewhere in the second clause: Harry was an animal driven by primal need to gain immediate access to the goulash; his options for achieving that aim were, however, limited. Semicolons are primarily used instead of a period to separate two closely related independent clauses (word groups which can stand as sentence). “GO” is a default identifier which uses as a batch separator where a semicolon is a terminator of a SQL Statement. As with any punctuation mark, the semicolon is routinely misused. 'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'. It is not end punctuation like a period, an exclamation point, or a question mark. This statement is another one of those rare T-SQL statements requiring a semicolon. Check out words from the year you were born and more! meanwhile. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Semicolons are most often used to separate two equal independent clauses within one complete sentence. Here is a more detailed explanation of what we have briefly examined in the above sections. It doesn't know what it is supposed to do until and unless you explicitly tell it to do something very specific. 3. Breaking up a list. Harry's three favorite bakeries are in Pittsburgh, PA; Phoenix, AZ; and Walla Walla, WA. A semicolon and a colon may look similar; however, they have different functions entirely. The choice is yours. 1. A semicolon helps to break up the clauses and avoid confusion for the reader. For example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers; pickled peppers that just so happened to be in Queen Grimhilde's pantry. The Semicolon Recognize a semicolon when you find one. My teacher told me important lessons: to read, read, and reread; to always ask questions, even when I think I know the answer; and to always believe in myself. Semicolons can also be used in place of commas to separate the items in a list, particularly when … Notice the use of the comma after the adverbs consequently and therefore. There are semicolons aplenty in it, and it has two examples of one of Chandler’s most characteristic uses of the semicolon: he loved to pound out a … In the English language, a semicolon is most commonly used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. A semicolon is also often used before introductory expressions such as for example, that is, and namely, in place of a colon, comma, dash, or parenthesis: On one important point Harry and Mabel agreed; that is, it would be better for all if Harry found somewhere else to be while Mabel finished cooking. My mom taught me how to sew, bake, and cook; and, now that I have my own family, I couldn’t be more grateful for her lessons. Rather, a semicolon is used within a sentence. The next statement requiring a semicolon is the MERGE statement. consequently. 'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'? Goulash was Harry the Dog's favorite; the scent drew him to the kitchen. Each semicolon brings us closer to the top. This is the most common use of a semicolon. GA restricts voting access. Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. When read aloud, you would pause slightly at the semicolon and the comma. It may seem like capitalization after a semicolon is necessary, especially when two clauses are combined; however, capitalizing words after a semicolon is inappropriate. A semicolon is a punctuation mark that can sometimes be confusing to writers. Depending on the circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence: a comma or a semicolon. How to Use Semicolons in Legal Writing. In most lists, it’s enough to use commas to separate the items. When the items in a series are long or are sentences themselves, they are usually separated by semicolons even if they lack internal commas: In the end, the meal Mabel and Harry shared was first-rate: the bread and cabbage dish complemented the goulash exquisitely; the chocolate croquembouche was divine; and the conversation was lively and amicable. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Thanks to Library Lady Jane for all her help in writing these grammar guides over the years. Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses. Semicolons have various uses. Prince Philip dies at 99, infrastructure Semicolons are sometimes called the “super comma,” but they are distinct enough to be their own punctuation mark and have different and specific functions from commas. Wellbeing or Well-Being – Which is Correct? Rules for Using Semicolons A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. The semicolon is used in place of a period to bridge the gap between the end of one sentence and the beginning of another. therefore. How to Use a Semicolon Correctly. A semicolon can also join two statements when the second clause is missing some essential words that are supplied by the first clause. A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. Semicolon Example: I have to wake-up early; I hate sleeping in late. In contrast, a semicolon indicates a connection between two distinct independent clauses. A colon precedes elements or multiple elements that illustrate the previously provided information. This is where things get tricky (and where I got things wrong when describing that dragon at the beginning of this article). When a semicolon joins two or more ideas in one sentence, those ideas are then given equal rank. Ideally, it would be sweet, salty, and chocolatey; would feature the soft, creamy texture that Mabel adored; and be suitable for breakfast as well as dessert. A semicolon is used in place of a comma to separate phrases or items in a list or series when the phrases or items themselves contain commas or are especially long: Harry set out to find a dessert that would demonstrate his deep appreciation of Mabel's meal. Like a comma, it can separate elements in a series. consort The other most common use of semicolons is to separate lists when commas are present within the list itself which is part of a single independent clause. A colon introduces lists while a semicolon separates complex lists. Comma (,) Use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. Follow this pattern: Biden expands public works, Jim Crow It's no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. The adverb is surrounded by punctuation! Use semicolons to separate items that contain commas in a series. It’s important to note that this is different from using a period. Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. I have to wake-up early; I hate sleeping in late. The semicolon is a not a mandatory in SQL Server because by default SQL statements are terminated with semicolons. Commas separate the items within a list. Semicolons can be used to separate two independent clauses. When a list contains multiple commas (not just the commas separating the elements of the list), a semicolon should be used instead of a comma. I have visited the Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre in France; the Prado, the Sagrada Familia, and the Guggenheim in Spain; and the St. Louis Arch, the Space Needle, and the Smithsonian in the United States. If you have Microsoft Powerpoint (PC or Mac version) installed on your computer, you can download the Powerpoint presentation on the semicolon (to the right) and the colon (to the left). Use Semicolons in a Serial List. Rampant use of semicolons in your writing will result in convoluted, long-winded sentences. A computer is stupid. "That money was a fundraiser for our crisis center," said Jenn. The most common error with semicolons is to confuse them with colons. also If a conjunctive adverb is used to link two sentences, a semicolon must be used before the conjunctive adverb: Do you capitalize after a semicolon? not to be confused with a colon or a comma, When to Use A Semicolon: How to Use A Semicolon. The first three semicolon use cases are really just variations on this method, which treats the semicolon as a kind of intermediary punctuation mark, between the period and the comma. She appreciated the sentiment (which she knows Harry feels sincerely); but the apron is simply not her style. While the colon is simply two dots stacked : the semicolon is a dot hovering over a comma ; The semicolon does jobs that are also done by other punctuation marks, but puts its own spin on the task. A semicolon is only used to join sentences when the independent clauses are of equal importance, length, and weight. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see Colons). He did not know the answer; he guessed and responded correctly. In this post, we will take a look at the various ways to properly use semicolons in your writing.