A quick and handy test is to remove the colon and ask whether the sentence would still make sense. In the first example above, the answer is yes, so the colon should go. But in the second example, removing the colon introduces confusion, so we need to keep it.
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Search ». Colons vs. Whether you decide to use a colon or a semicolon, just remember this: Never capitalize the first word after a semicolon, unless it would be capitalized under any circumstances, as in the second example here: The race would be postponed; the winds were already dangerously gusty. She loves going to the beach in hot weather.
Using a Semicolon to Avoid a Comma Splice Two independent clauses as in the example above should only be joined with a semicolon to create a complex sentence. This is an example of a comma splice: Donning his hat, he walked to the door, he would never see Tommy again. Donning his hat, he walked through the doorway; he would never see Tommy again. He would never see Tommy again; donning his hat, he walked through the doorway. Avoiding the Incorrect Use of a Semicolon The trick for using a semicolon correctly is simple: there must be standalone sentences on either side of the semicolon punctuation mark.
The two sentences should not be completely unrelated or the punctuation mark is being used incorrectly, as is shown in the following example: The Prime Minister celebrated her victory; I love swimming and netball. Capstone Editing. Post a comment Please be respectful when leaving comments. The first clause is dependent on the second, which means a semicolon provides too much of a pause in between the two ideas.
Proper semicolon use can make your work sound more sophisticated and give you the opportunity to play with new sentence structures and clause lengths.
When it comes to having another tool to master and add to your writing workbox, the real question is: why not?
And yes, the winking emoji is a proper use of the semicolon, too — at least in our book. This post contains affiliate links. This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. Website jamiecattanach.
All good stuff; thank you for your defence of the semi colon. I am a writer, and I have come to understand that writing, like the spoken language, has a definite.
Not only is the semi-colon useful in this respect; it is absolutely essential. We need this kinds of blog,. I have been struggling on how to use the semicolon, with this article, I will improve myself. Well done. Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet. Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
You can replace the comma and coordinating conjunction with a semicolon since the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction. Semicolons should not be used between a dependent clause and an independent clause. Use a semicolon between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression, such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore.
Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. The comma in this case makes these independent clauses difficult to read because of the other commas in the clauses:.
In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction:. Use semicolons to replace commas when individual items in a series are long or contain commas. Use a semicolon instead of a comma to separate the items.
Since each of the elements in the list in the sentence above is complicated and has commas, it is difficult to figure out where one element ends and the next begins.
Using semicolons between the lengthy elements helps the reader understand the separation, as shown in the example below:. Take Quiz.
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