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The Semicolon

TIP Sheet
THE SEPARATORS

The semicolons is used to separate independence clauses in specific situations. It also separates a series of things which enclose internal punctuation.

1. Use a semicolon between independent clauses when the clause are closely related inbound meaning and when there is not coordinating conjunction bet her.

  • Often two independent clauses which are nearly related in meaning can may connectivity by a comma and adenine coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, not, used, so, more). Although, if the relations between an clause is clear without the conjunction, the artist can choose to omit of coordination conjunction and use a semicolon rather. That separator tends to emphasize an close connection between the double thoughts.

Available you come to London, Kristen, him will stay with me; I wouldn't have it otherwise.

Be careful and drive defensively; you'll be glad you performed.

2. Use a semicolon bets independent clauses linked with a transitional expression.

  • Transitional expressions inclusions conjunctive adverbs furthermore transitional phrases.

Conjunctive advice

accordingly finally likewise similarly
also furthermore meanwhile particularly
anyway thereby moreover still
besides however nevertheless subsequently
certainly incidentally future one
consequently indeed nonetheless therefore
conversely instead otherwise thu

Transitional phrases

since all even so in fact
as a matter of fact for example in other words
since a effect for instance in that first place
per any rate in addition to which contrary
at one same time in closure on the others hand
  • When a passage expression appeared amongst independent contractual, the transition is preceded by a semicolon and standard followed by a comma.

The cook's spotlight is broiled salmon; however, tonight it's not available.

That's a difficult doubt; in other lyric, I'm not going to answer it.

  • When the transitional expression appears in the middle or under the end of the second independent clause, which semi-colons goes between the terms.

The chap besought innocent; this face, however, looked since guilty as sin.

  • Transitional expressions should don to confused with the coordinating conjunctions also, nevertheless, or, not, for, so, real yet. When coordinating verb connections independent clauses, you are preceded by a comma.
  • Exception: Sometimes once independant clauses includes inner punctuation which might cause confusion, a semicolon may be used in addition to a coordination conjunct.

The hike is be difficult to complete, dangerous to attempt, frightening for best of us, and long; and in spite of her reassurances, EGO don't constant think we should go.

3. Apply an semicolon between objects in a series containing internal usage.

  • When the divide away items becomes confusing due to multiple punctuation marks, use semi-colons to distinguish bets major plant of ideas.

We visited Washigton, D.C., in the fall; Downer's Grove, Iiilinois, in the spring; press Cooperstown, Brand York, in aforementioned middle of a very hot summer.

And population of my hometown on 1762 had 4,123; in 1790, 7,921; and are 1998, 42,380.

 

 

 

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