Rule to Remember Use a semicolon between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. Correct: Although Nate is a kind employee, that new guy is not. Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs and transitional expressions 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.
Conjunctive Adverb: Correct: Kathleen worked for many hours on all her homework; nevertheless, she was unable to finish all of it. Correct: Harvey is a good driver; moreover, he is a friendly one. Transitional Expression: Correct: Tony finished reading three novels this week; in contrast, Joan finished only one novel.
Semicolons used to replace commas 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: Incorrect: My dog is sick.
She won't eat, run around, or jump, nor will she go for a walk with me. 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.
She won't eat, run around, or jump; nor will she go for a walk with me. Here is another example where semicolons improve readability: Correct: Some classes require students to write essays, research papers, or reports; but others focus more on group projects. Confusing: Angela loves many breeds of dogs including small dogs, such as terriers and beagles, medium dogs, such as border collies and cocker spaniels, and large dogs, such as Great Danes and mastiffs.
My plan included taking him to a nice—though not necessarily expensive—dinner; going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year; and serenading him with my accordion. Yup, that was one now. When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon.
Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently.
I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk. These words sometimes show up in other parts of a sentence; therefore, the semicolon rule only applies if it helps the conjunctive adverb join two independent clauses.
See what we did there? This conjunctive adverb rule is similar to the conjunction rule. In both cases, check that the two ideas are independent clauses that could stand on their own as sentences. Emoticons will never replace a solid knowledge of the English language.
But they can sure spice it up from time to time. In this case, the comma serves as an ellipsis, eliminating the need to repeat an understood portion of the initial clause. Between independent clauses when a coordinating conjunction is omitted Most commonly, the semicolon is used between two independent clauses i.
Example The upperclassmen are permitted off-campus lunch; the underclassmen must remain on campus. Example The upperclassmen are permitted off-campus lunch, but the underclassmen must remain on campus. Conjunctive adverbs accordingly finally likewise similarly also furthermore meanwhile specifically anyway hence moreover still besides however nevertheless subsequently certainly incidentally next the consequently indeed nonetheless therefore conversely instead otherwise thu Transitional phrases after all even so in fact as a matter of fact for example in other words as a result for instance in the first place at any rate in addition on the contrary at the same time in conclusion on the other hand When a transitional expression appears between independent clauses, the transition is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma.
When the transitional expression appears in the middle or at the end of the second independent clause, the semicolon goes between the clauses. Transitional expressions should not be confused with the coordinating conjunctions and , but , or , not , for , so , and yet. When coordinating conjunctions connect independent clauses, they are preceded by a comma. Exception : Sometimes when independent clauses contain internal punctuation which might cause confusion, a semicolon may be used in addition to a coordinating conjunction.
Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation.
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