What is rule 3 semicolon?

Asked by: Deonte Swaniawski  |  Last update: August 18, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (13 votes)

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. Note that with only commas, that sentence is hopeless.

How do you use a semicolon (;) example?

1 Use semicolons to connect related independent clauses

I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life's too short for counting calories. Martha has gone to the library; her sister has gone to play soccer. The examples above are each made up of two complete, grammatically correct sentences glued together.

What does a semicolon mean in a contract?

How to Use Semicolons in Legal Writing. Generally, semicolons are used to connect two or more related, but independent, clauses in the same sentence. For example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers; pickled peppers that just so happened to be in Queen Grimhilde's pantry.

What is a semicolon example?

Use a semicolon when separating two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction. Example: Jones (2014) argued that intelligence was fixed; Smith (2011) argued that ability could be fluid.

What does your semicolon mean?

In the context of grammar, a semicolon is used to combine two complete sentences that are related. In other words, a semicolon means that the thought is not quite over even though the sentence is—there's still more to come.

How to use a semicolon - Emma Bryce

22 related questions found

What is semicolon rule #2?

Rule 2. Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms.

What is semicolon rule #1?

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.

What is the most important semicolon rule?

Rule. Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.

What is the rule for colons and semicolons?

Semicolons are used between two independent clauses (a group of words that can stand alone and make sense as a complete sentence), while colons follow a complete sentence to set off an example or a list.

What are common semicolon mistakes?

Perhaps the most common semicolon mistake is using the punctuation mark when it is not needed. Use Semicolons as Follows: Link two or more related independent clauses with a semicolon unless they are already joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

How many semicolons is too many?

There is no limit to how many semicolons one can use. Punctuation =/= grammar. There is a stylistic guideline, however, which is to use a semicolon when it clarifies meaning and not to use one when it obscures meaning. The same goes for all punctuation.

Why is a semicolon stronger than a comma?

Semicolons connect main clauses, i.e. groups of words with a subject and verb that could function as a complete sentence on their own. If you were to use a comma to link main clauses, it would be a comma splice. Think of commas as being too weak to hold main clauses together without the help of a conjunction.

Am I using a semicolon right?

To help you determine if you are using a semicolon correctly, just ask yourself if a period would be correct if used where the semicolon is used. If so, then you have used the semicolon correctly. If a comma could be used where a semicolon is used, then the semicolon is not used correctly.

What is a semicolon technique?

A semicolon is used to bring two independent clauses together. Simply put, an independent clause (also called a main clause) is a standalone sentence. It expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and predicate. An independent clause doesn't have to be long.

Can a semicolon stand alone?

But observe carefully: the semicolon must be both preceded by a complete sentence and followed by a complete sentence.

Why is the semicolon used for mental health?

The semicolon is a representation of strength in the middle of a storm. It is used as an affirmation of solidarity against a plethora of mental health issues including suicide, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.

What does a semicolon mean for a girl?

The semicolon has become a symbol for those who have battled depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues; it is a reminder that even though their story could have ended there, they chose to continue on.

Is a semicolon tattoo?

A mental health tattoo

With this, the semicolon tattoo has become an emblem of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Raising awareness through ink. "A semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you, and the sentence is your life." Project Semicolon.

What does the M tattoo mean?

'La Eme,' or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U.S. They're allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons.

Why avoid semicolons?

Semicolons have two functions. They connect closely related independent clauses and they serve as sort of uber commas to manage unwieldy lists. Independent clauses by definition can stand alone as sentences. That means that a semicolon between them is never necessary.

Can semicolons be overused?

Overusing semicolons makes writing more difficult to understand. Semicolons can create a break that is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full stop. They can link 2 sentences that share or develop an idea. The information must be closely related.

How is a semicolon most often used?

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.

What is an example of an incorrect semicolon?

I like Italy; because of the food and friendly people. This would be incorrect, because it doesn't meet the rule that you must use a full sentence both before AND after a semicolon. 'I like Italy' is a full sentence. But 'because of the food and friendly people' doesn't make sense on its own as an independent sentence.

Can you replace a semicolon with a colon?

A colon (:) is used to introduce information set up by the previous clause. It's typically used before a list, example, or explanation. A semicolon (;) is used to join related independent clauses together in the same sentence without a conjunction.