Punctuation when is a semicolon used

Here is an example where semicolons are used to separate items in a series instead of commas since one or more has a a comma. In the above example, she went to three cities. That would mean she went to five different places! Colons A colon is used after a word group that can stand alone as a sentence independent clause which introduces a word, words, or a list that further explain.

Here are examples of sentences using a colon: All humans have one need in common: food. There are many colors in the rainbow: blue, green, yellow, pink. Many people have given their lives for one belief: They believed in freedom. Do not use a colon after an incomplete statement or after the words such as , for example , or including. Incorrect: I bought: eggs, milk, and cheese. Corrected: I bought eggs, milk, and cheese. I bought three things : eggs, milk, and cheese. Incorrect: I am allergic to such foods such as: eggs, milk, and cheese.

Corrected: I am allergic to many foods such as eggs, milk, and cheese. You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items. 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.

Or on top of your parenthetical smile. We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract. Rule 1b. Avoid a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause.

Incorrect: Although they tried; they failed. Correct: Although they tried, they failed. Rule 2. Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms.

Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply. Rule 3. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. Incorrect: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho, Springfield, California, Alamo, Tennessee, and other places as well. Correct: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho; Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well.