Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. For example, this summary could say "Semicolons are useful; they show that clauses are related in meaning."

2024年12月5日 · Semicolons provide a stronger pause than a comma and a softer transition than a period. Understanding when to use semicolons is vital for clear writing and enhancing sentence flow. Good writing demands attention to detail; recognizing the right place for a semicolon exemplifies this.

Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop. Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see Colons ).

2019年5月31日 · Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses and to separate items in complex lists. Don't confuse them with commas or colons.

This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing.

Semicolons [;] are used to separate closely related independent clauses. It can also be used to separate independent clauses or items in a series that already contain a number of commas. Semicolons are most often used between two independent clauses.

Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Semicolons are sometimes called the “super comma,” but they are distinct enough to be their own punctuation mark and have different and specific functions from commas. Semicolons are most often used to separate two equal independent clauses within one complete sentence.

Semicolons (;) are used to combine sentences into larger ones. Unlike the use of commas to combine very short sentences, semicolons are used for combining relatively longer sentences. Semicolons are often used for combining sentences that are very closely related:

Semicolons are used like soft periods (full stops) because a semicolon can be used to merge two sentences into one. Semicolons are also used like hard commas because they can be used to separate list items (especially when the list items contain commas).