When to use a semi colon?
ArticlesWhen to use a semi-colon? A semi-colon; in a sentence is used to bridge two connected ideas or provisions in which one should be independent while the other dependent. Until or unless you are well-aware of when to use a semi-colon, you wouldn’t make its best use. In case of its excessive use, your writing effectiveness will be deployed, but the deliverability of the concept will also be incomplete.
What is a Semi-colon?
A semi-colon; in a sentence is used to bridge two connected ideas or provisions in which one should be independent while the other dependent.
But because commas, conjunctions, and semi-colons of a sentence are identical, a writer can be misled about the rules when to use a semi-colon exactly where it is needed.
Even though you have full linguistic skills, you may regret that you misused the semi-colon. But don’t hurry; it takes no effort to see when to properly utilize a semi-colon in a phrase structure.
Examples of Semi-colon
1. Do not believe; see with your own eyes.
2. In London, where the zombie infestation is at a critical level, the military forces, despite its most coordinated efforts, have become hard to extract from the rest of the citizens; and the people, hungry and in chaos, are themselves heading towards cannibalism to survive.
3. The address written on the letter is PO Box 34; Martin, NY 22590.
4. John scored a 100 on the quiz; Lois scored a 90.
5. It was drizzling; the match was post pond.
6. I love bacon, eggs, and cheese in pizza; but not the mixture of all on a sandwich.
When to use a semi-colon?
Being a writer, you must look for innovative techniques of creating uniqueness in your works. So there is a suggestion for you, try using semi-colon in your writings.
It is one of the best storytelling tricks because semi-colon blesses the effect of flowing water or blowing a cool breeze to other’s vision.
1. Instead of Coordination conjunction
- If a sentence already possessed coordination conjunction (but, and, so, or, nor, if and so on), there would be no use in asking when to use a semi-colon before a full-stop.
2. Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs
To maintain continuity in sentences, we usually take the help of conjunctive adverbs like however, nevertheless, while, etc.) makes writing wordy.
Now, rather than using alternatives, let’s take punctuation into account and learn when to use semi-colon appropriately to give a reader time to breathe in.
3. Use a semi-colon before
Continuously putting comma more than once may create a dilemma in your writing, so it’s better to go through when to use a semi-colon instead.
There are several ways of replacing semi-colons with commas; you can utilize semi-colons after one or two chunks of comas. The technique will increase the readability of your work.
4. Semi-colon with commas
Do you search for clever ways of writing catchy content? And you are habitual of using long patterns of sentences to illustrate your concepts, don’t use commas at every spot.
Boost your skills instead of applying commas repeatedly, as it can make your work unpleasant; yes, this is the point when keep utilizing the worth of semi-colon can give a break to your ideas.
And of course, this is the master technique of compiling long clauses at once without making your sentence dull but, it’s possible only if you don’t forget to omit conjunction before a comma.
When (and how) do you use a semi-colon?
1. To make a connection between two ideas:
Semi-colon, you may require adding in case you strike with two relatable ideas together in a sentence.
Yes, that’s the moment you ought to make a right guess of when to use a semi-colon.
Example This work is additional acknowledgment only; however, we do need to cover it up.
2. To Serial List:
Instead of making your writing unpleasant by using comas excessively in a sentence where several ideas are to be gathered, using semi-colon can help your writing look beautiful.
If you don’t believe it, scroll up to see the magic by yourself.
Example: My plan is to lead him to a nice—though not very expensive— having dinner; visiting the park to look at the galaxy, which is amazing these days; and serenading him with my accordion.
3. Use a Semi-colon to give one a Wily Wink
Keeping going through the same content pattern may reduce its worth, as it reflects negatively on readers’ willingness, which may go down gradually due to the nonstop coming ideas.
Don’t rush while creating something unique. If you are aware of when to use semi-colon effectively, you can bless someone with a wily wink to increase interest level.
Example: Please shorten my anthologies and poetry; my character sketches on Jackie Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth; and my historical romance novels by Nora Roberts and Diana Gabaldon.
4. Use semi-colons to replace commas:
Are you desired to crop up your content’s creativity more effectively? You can do it if you know when to semi-colon perfectly.
Before the term as namely, however, and etc., e.g.semi-colon is necessarily used to introduce further correlated concepts.
You are not ought to capitalize the first alphabet after the semi-colon, although the capital letter is normally used in proper nouns such as Canada, Marry, etc
Summary
To improve your grammar skills, you need to know when to use a semi-colon. Yes, it’s a remarkable strategy that all pro writers prefer when they have to organize a length of sentences clearly in a way that looks appealing.
When to avoid a semi-colon
Until or unless you are well-aware of when to use a semi-colon, you wouldn’t make its best use.
In case of its excessive use, your writing effectiveness will be deployed, but the deliverability of the concept will also be incomplete.
So, after getting the rules on when to use a semi-colon, you need to focus on when not to use it.
1. Before an independent clause
Using semi-colon right after a dependent is likely to announce the result before having an assessment.
Is it possible? Of course not, therefore, in this case, it’s significant to lookup independent clause from where the background of the idea originated, and now, the right place to put semi-colon has come across to you.
2. Where the colon is required
Keep your punctuation packet in your pocket while submitting your thought in words. Y
You must carefully follow the pattern when to use semi-colon, colon, comma, or full-stop as it enhances the worth of your write-ups.
The colon is supposed to come before a series of things, while the semi-colon is used in the series of ideas. To make a wall between these two rules is essential if you are to be a pro.
3. Ideas have no relation
Just to take a break in writing, putting semi-colons blindly can abrupt the flow of your thoughts.
Therefore take when to use a semi-colon into your prior notice before you’re going to apply it among complex coordinate clusters of clauses.
Summary
Using semi-colon can bless your content with a perfect continuation, whereas its misuse can ruin all your efforts. So, be careful, as its application with coordinate conjunction or adverbs is worst, before independent clause is illogical, with non-relatable ideas is somehow a foolish attempt. In the state of confusion of when to use a semi-colon or when to use a colon, don’t rush; to avoid your mistakes, go directly to the search engine, download a quick guide and be cheer-up.
Colon vs. Semi-colon
Do you think that you have got enough knowledge of grammar? Go and take your self-evaluation by observing what you score on the punctuation quiz?
You will find it not so easy to predict when to use a semi-colon and when to use a colon?
For instance, we can say that colon adds pause while the semi-colons bless a long sentence with some breaks.
Either mark is applied can increase your writing worth and also decrease in case of improper use.
When to use a colon?
1. When listing items
Why don’t you list things when it is easy to write all those in paragraph form?
Now don’t waste your time guessing when to use a colon.
Meanwhile, listing nouns, mindfully add a colon before you start, and trust yourself; you will never regret following the rule.
With independent clause
In place of semi-colon, a colon is used to break a couple of independent clauses.
Such clauses are possessed completely unrelated ideas.
Example: You can come, pick me up now: I am feeling much better.
In this regard, a few things are notable:
Each sentence should have two clauses.
Not more than two sentences can combine to make it complex.
Plus, never capitalize the first letter of the second clause, as shown in the example below.
3. When introducing a new concept
Asking when to use a semi-colon? Is meaningless at a certain point when you’re giving a new turn to your writing; because a semi-colon shows the relation of clauses in the means of reasons and results of the statements, so only the colon mark should be in your consideration here.
The first sentence usually tends to describe what things are to be said and, in the sentence, after colon said instruction should appear.
Summary
Pick up all opportunities that can take your career at its peak. Whatever your destinations are, your writing skill will never be a hurdle of your path. It is practically proven that if you are fully aware of the rules, when to use a semi-colon and when colon, nothing can make your write-ups not look appealing.
Frequently asked questions
People ask many questions about: ‘how to use a semi-colon?’. We discussed a few of them below:
1. Why do we use a semi-colon?
Using semi-colon is often required for a writer when the story goes. Hence, to sort it out, many depend upon comas which also seem to burst after using twice or thrice.
Therefore, using a semi-colon is the best technique to break your sentence into clauses without losing freshness and clarity.
2. When to use a semi-colon?
When you are puzzled by complex sentence structure and find no other way to express your thought flow, take your punctuation packet out and get its benefits instead of searching for synonyms.
But always remember when to use a semi-colon or not, as using semi-colon before independent clause or with two very different ideas is not allowed in grammar.
3. How to use semicolons?
While using a semi-colon, you need to know some basics that are given below:
Don’t capitalize the first word after a semi-colon, although it is allowed in the case of proper nouns.
If coordinate conjunction is present between two compound clauses or complex clauses, you need to omit it.
Apply semi-colon always after the independent clause.
While serial listing, try to make it as communicative as possible by using comas and conjunction between words.
You can use semi-colon with conjunctive adverbs instead of putting full-stop.
4. Can you use a semi-colon before conjunction?**
- Indeed, it’s impossible because ‘and’ is a kind of conjunction, so, as you know well, semi-colon and conjunction can’t come together in a sentence.
5. Do we add semi-colon in a simple sentence?
No, we do not add semi-colon in a simple sentence.
As we know, semi-colon has the quality to join a set of coordinate concepts in complex sentences, whereas simple sentences have only one clause.
6. Is there a rule of replacing conjunction with a semi-colon?**
Yes, in case you’re willing to create less wordy content, take the help of semi-colons.
You don’t need to scan your memory, also not to be overjoyed; first, learn about the conditions of when to use semi-colon before applying.
Remove coordinate conjunctions such as But, and, or etc. from the sentence.
And write an independent clause before a dependent clause.
Now, you can semi-colon between the clauses instead of a comma.
As you can observe in the given examples
1. John finished all his work, but Harry did not complete it yet.
2. John finished all his work; Kathleen did not complete it yet.
7. How do you guess when to use semi-colon or colon?
The punctuation mark semi-colon is supposed to be used between two closely related ideas where it introduces causes of the following statement; for viewing an example, this sentence is appropriate.
Colon, for instance, you can say that demands for showing stronger relationship directly through explanations or examples.
8. How does using conjunctive adverbs and semi-colons upgrade your writing standard?
In a true sense, each clause in a complex sentence can stand alone, without bearing punctuation, conjunction, or adverb.
But in order to show a prompt relation between the sentences, which often increases the readability of one’s writing, it is considered favorable to use one of them in your sentence.
In one way, semi-colon shows a close relationship between the clauses; by other means, conjunctive adverbs are often used to highlight a contrast between the two ideas.
Example of Semi-colon :
- We couldn’t enjoy the pours of drizzle; mom strictly forbidden us to go out.
Example of Conjunctive adverb:
- Instead of asking irrelevant questions or gossiping with peers, it’s better to be attentive during lectures,.
9. Give some examples of when to use semi-colon exactly.
Here are a few examples:
1. The siblings who are going to arrive at camp include Sara and John; Jeff, Lisa, and Harry; and Michael and Jim.
2. I have visited California, New York City; New Jersey, and London.
3. The address written on the letter is PO Box 34; Martin, NY 22590.
4. John scored a 100 on the quiz; Lois scored a 90.
5. It was drizzling; the match was post pond.
6. I love bacon, eggs, and cheese in pizza; but not the mixture of all on a sandwich.
10. Do complex sentences have semi-colons?
Yes, complex sentences are already over-loaded with commas and conjunctions to join coordinate clauses.
In this case, it is good to use a semi-colon to separate the concepts in complex sentences.
Conclusion
A semi-colon; in a sentence is used to bridge two connected ideas or provisions in which one should be independent while the other dependent. But because commas, conjunctions, and semi-colons of a sentence are identical, a writer can be misled about the rules when to use a semi-colon exactly where it is needed.
Being a writer, you must look for innovative techniques of creating uniqueness in your works. So there is a suggestion for you, try using semi-colon in your writings. It is one of the best storytelling tricks because semi-colon blesses the effect of flowing water or blowing a cool breeze to other’s vision.
Until or unless you are well-aware of when to use a semi-colon, you wouldn’t make its best use. In case of its excessive use, your writing effectiveness will be deployed, but the deliverability of the concept will also be incomplete.
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