Why do you use semicolons

Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon see Colons.

Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her. Correct: I have one goal: to find her. Rule 1a. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences independent clauses. Examples: Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then. We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract. Rule 1b.

We can use either the semicolon there or the conjunction, but not both. Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction. 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. And in spite of its appearance, it works quite differently than its neighbor, the colon.

But for those who take the time to learn its quirks, the semicolon is a punctuation mark unparalleled in versatility; properly employed, it can make your prose sound more professional if slightly pontificating.

Okay, enough of that. But seriously: how do you use a semicolon ; , anyway? And when should you definitely NOT use one? Read on to learn the ins and outs of this unique little piece of grammatical nuance and explore a few semicolon examples. Semicolons can be used in four cases. In the majority of cases, a semicolon is used to link two closely-related independent clauses. 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.

In the last use case, the semicolon is used to separate items in a list because those items have already been strewn with commas, which could lead to a lack of clarity without the employment of another punctuation mark.

Jamie really likes cheese; it may be her favorite food on Earth. As you can see, these two statements could easily stand on their own with a period in between them. But by using a semicolon, the closeness between the two ideas is reinforced. Jamie really likes cheese; in fact, it may be her favorite food on Earth. Jamie really likes cheeses of all sorts, including both soft-ripened Bries and firm cheddars; but other cheese lovers sometimes stick to a single variety.

Incorrect: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millennia, are still one of the great species of this planet, domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by. Correct: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millennia, are still one of the great species of this planet; domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by.

Incorrect: Because cows smell; they offend me. Correct: Because cows smell, they offend me. The first part is not an independent clause, so no semicolon is required. This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels. U niversity of W isconsin —Madison.