Semicolon
What is a Semicolon?
According to Dictionary.com, a semicolon is, "the punctuation mark (;) used to indicate a major division in a sentence where a more distinct separation is felt between clauses or items on a list than is indicated by a comma, as between the two clauses of a compound sentence" (Dictionary.com first definition of semicolon). The purpose of a semicolon is very similar to that of a comma, but a semicolon is used to connect to more strongly related topics.
Rules for Semicolons
1. You use a semicolon to connect to topics or statements that are very closely related.
Example: Sally and her friend Susie are going to rehearsal; they are very excited to go to rehearsal.
2. When you use a semicolon, make sure you have a coordinating conjunction if there are other forms of punctuation in that part of the sentence or if the part of the sentence is long.
Example: Ariel wanted nothing more than to live up in the human world with her prince; as a result she went to Ursula to help make her dream come true.
3. Make sure you don't confuse a semicolon and a comma. When there part of that sentence is not a complete thought you need a comma. When the part of the sentence is a complete thought, you use a semicolon.
Comma needed: Because her hair is so long, she could pull her prince into her tower using her hair.
Semicolon needed: Rapunzel has very long hair; she can pull Prince Charming up into her tower using her hair.
These are only a few common rules about semicolons. For more rules for semicolons, click the button below.
Example: Sally and her friend Susie are going to rehearsal; they are very excited to go to rehearsal.
2. When you use a semicolon, make sure you have a coordinating conjunction if there are other forms of punctuation in that part of the sentence or if the part of the sentence is long.
Example: Ariel wanted nothing more than to live up in the human world with her prince; as a result she went to Ursula to help make her dream come true.
3. Make sure you don't confuse a semicolon and a comma. When there part of that sentence is not a complete thought you need a comma. When the part of the sentence is a complete thought, you use a semicolon.
Comma needed: Because her hair is so long, she could pull her prince into her tower using her hair.
Semicolon needed: Rapunzel has very long hair; she can pull Prince Charming up into her tower using her hair.
These are only a few common rules about semicolons. For more rules for semicolons, click the button below.