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semicolon vs comma

A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc. Each of those sentences should share a similar and logical connection. Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma (also called series comma, Oxford comma, and Harvard comma).This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or.With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it … I greatly appreciate the feedback and look forward to reading more of your Hubs! May please see. INCORRECT, She was a great dancer; she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. We all get spelling check but not grammar check. This is the currently selected item. Some people read the newspaper online; others read it in print. add "so" after the comma. Knowing things brings immense pleasure. Right: I like dogs; however, I hate the way they beg for food. This puntuation mark  is 50% of the winking eye emoji. Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences. Great hub. The comma is used in several contexts, most often for separating specific parts of a sentence or text – such as clauses and items in a lists containing three or more items. And, while emojis will never replace classic English language, they can be used to dd emphasis and convey emotion in certain situations, such as personal emails or text messages. A semi colon, or a semicolon, is a punctuation mark that is used to separate two tightknit independent clauses. That being said, it is never advisable to use both a semi colon and a conjunction. Usually I rely on my trusty computer 'grammar watch' to aid me in tricky situations. Yet, when a conjunction (such as however, therefore, moreover, thus) is used to connect two independent clauses, a semicolon is required. Commas and Semicolons Click here to download a PDF of this chapter. Summary: This resource offers a number of pages about comma use. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. On the other hand, a semicolon is represented by the punctuation mark of ‘;’. However, a semicolon isn't used the same way a period or comma is— it … Example: Her mother had told her not to walk alone at night; however, Sarah refused to be afraid and stuck to the well lit areas. This is most typical when you are listing dates, names and descriptions. CORRECT, She was a great dancer, thus, she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. A semi colon is used specifically to  join to independent clauses. ;). As long as you follow the simple rules for commas and semicolons, grammatically, either way you will be correct. However, you need a comma before and after "therefore" because it is used as an interrupter in the sentence.   The sentence would still make sense if you omitted "therefore".  Hope that helps!  Great sentence to dissect!  ;), Where would you put the comma in the following sentence? Using a comma instead of semi colon could result in a comma splice, and also detract from the impact and connection between the clauses. "She will be deeply missed by her husband and best friend, Steve, her loving sons, Derrick Rossi and Jared Rossi; her parents; and her four sisters. a comma + a conjunction. If you decide that you must use a conjunction, you should use a comma instead of a semi colon. You can easily connect or bridge two closely related independent clauses with a semi colon. Now, if I change just ONE word (and substitute "but" for "however"), I am, in this instance (if I am to follow the "rules" and look like I know what I'm doing), "required" to drop the semicolon altogether and substitute it with a COMMA (even though I am STILL connecting two INDEPENDENT clauses and NOT changing the meaning of the sentence one iota). Is it, as I offered at the outset, just a "modern convention? of service and privacy policy. So, it's better to keep your concepts clear then screwing up a paragraph or essay. Thanks for clarifying. I think needs to be used before the conjunction. thanks lots. fine as is. ), Would a statement before a semi colon be implied in the next statement? They can also be used when listing complex ideas or phrases that use commas within them. Robin Edmondson (author) from San Francisco on July 11, 2007: I would not use a semi-colon because nine months is not a complete sentence. Robin Edmondson (author) from San Francisco on May 08, 2007: Ah, those tricky semi colons! Where des the commas go in this sentence? Would I use a semicolon or a comma if saying: victoria from Hamilton On. Below is one way it can be done. Main Difference – Comma vs Semicolon. However, a comma by itself will not work. I'll now have to watch how I word my comments, LOL! I am wondering if the semicolans use below are correct or if commas would be better. Colon vs Semicolon Colon (:) What is colon punctuation?. The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. What's the rule about capitalization after a semi-colon? But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see Colons ). We use the semicolon with SOME connecting words (and those are followed by a comma). ", Would "in good standing" be applied to the second half. There is not a comma before "and" because "therefore, wasn't interested" isn't a complete sentence. They are: Two punctuation marks that are most frequently used incorrectly are the comma and the semicolon. ;) Robin. accounting book keeping on March 06, 2008: I too am glad you wrote this hub! I've been using the format you referred to but was never sure it was acceptable. When I went through school I was in an experimental year where they decided not to teach grammar only reading comprehension. Robin Edmondson (author) from San Francisco on October 11, 2006: For some reason, I like grammar-even though mine isn't always correct. BTW--it's "Hubbard Street Dance Chicago" now. I don't know what "AP" and "AR" are, you may want to clarify this. Aisling Ireland from Bolingbroke, GA on July 26, 2011: Robin, this is wonderful information as are your other grammar hubs. As a student, I will bring my enthusiasm for sports, my community involvement, my academic achievement and leadership skills to enhance the university. it's enlightening. We use the semicolon when there is NO connecting word. Some grammarians choose to add a second comma before the word "and" in sentences such as this one, but using that comma has become a matter of preference rather than an hard-and-fast rule. In situations like this, semi colons will help the readers to not only keep track of the items as they are divided, but it will also make it easier to understand. I have found your advice much easier to follow than most of the other grammar sites. The inner city has small narrow streets; for example, two motorcycles can pass by each other, but two cars can't. Q. Robin Edmondson (author) from San Francisco on March 15, 2007: Really liked the examples, thanks. A semicolon is a punctuation mark that looks like a period stacked on top of a comma. However they choose to read, the community is allowed to have their preferences; they all have their preferred reading method. However, a pause made by a semicolon is considered to be stronger than a pause made by a comma. Keep in mind that a semi colon is not the only thing that you might use to join two independent clauses. Take this quiz and test your knowledge, even if you get the answers wrong, you can always learn. She was a great dancer, she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. The reason they do this is because writing, unlike speaking, does not have the same natural cues. Hope that helps! Practice: Using colons and semicolons. Robin Edmondson (author) from San Francisco on March 25, 2007: It depends on your reference.  If you are saying "got" in the place of "received", (e.g., I got $15 for my birthday,) then "got" is fine.  If you mean "in my possession" I would use "have", (e.g., I have $15 in my pocket).  Hope that helps! I have been losing APA credit because of the comma v semicolon dilemma Such a simple thing and yet it causes so much trouble. Is the semi colon preferable because the "collecting, correlating and analyzing" part in the middle of the list? Many companies make sugar-free soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals the drinks usually contain only one or two calories per serving. (I think that was the first semicolon I ever attempted by choice, rather than by some random slip-of-the-finger typo. And he spoke to you about the injuries that he received that day; correct? Tags: Report Quiz. THANKS--have been trying to figure out the ; and , usage on a resume. I think that commas should be omitted because the "therefore" is essential in this case. Arise, shine, for your light has come. Hi robin I have a huge test on these Puncuation rules and I don't get them at all I'm only 13 but I need help!! adorababy from Syracuse, NY on July 01, 2010: I never really gave a fuss on the difference between these two but after reading your post, I actually have to think over the instances that I have incorrectly used the comma and the semi colon. Would you mind clarifying something regarding an earlier post? Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. hi Robin a question lol. instead of "I have $15" when you are saying what you have in your posession. Duties include: maintaining accounting records using QuickBooks Enterprise Edition 2006; setup and monthly preparation of financial statements; setup and maintenance of annual budget, including sales quotas in Excel and QuickBooks for ongoing variance analysis; bank reconciliations; AP; AR; daily cash management using online banking; sales and use tax reports; data entry; and other administrative duties as required by President and CEO. As a former English major, I love it when I see grammar lessons. In the majority of the cases, the colon is used to introduce a list of things. How to change back so that you can enter Excel formulas with a comma separating the … You could also display in bullet form with each skill having a new bullet. They might also be used in the place of commas in order to separate various items in a list – especially if the items in the list contain commas. Insert commas between lists of three or more. I can't wait to peruse your other teaching hubs. Semicolons look like a combination of a colon and a comma. A semi colon must go between independent clauses that have been connected by coordinating conjunctions in the event that the clauses are punctuated with commas or if they are particularly lengthy. Rule: Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them. 'Watching television wasn't an option as she didn't understand it and therefore wasn't interested.'. In all languages, not just English, writers use punctuation marks (or punctuation points as they are also called) to indicate things like pauses and full stops, to convey or demonstrate emotion, the ask questions or declare statements, and even to separate items in a list. Next lesson. ", 2) Here's another example: "I have some reservations about this English punctuation rule; although, I do try to follow the rules." As you write, you should be using semi colons whenever you wish to connect or join two statements (or independent clauses) that are somehow related or contrasting to one another. This is the closest I've ever come to understanding the concept; I may actually retain some of it! I came to know there is a lot to learn. Alfreta Sailor from Southern California on October 26, 2010: Robin, what a great English lesson. Some of the more common conjunctive adverbs are nevertheless, moreover, however, therefore, otherwise, then, likewise, finally and consequently. The semicolon does a better job of showing the connection between two statements than a full stop would. Yet there is more to the semicolon than that. (Get it?) Yesterday, we went to Walter Haas Park, and Georgia was exhausted when we got home. When beginning the second independent clause after a semicolon, do not use a capital. I guess it's the teacher in me. I am working on my resume and in trying to be consistent I am a little list on the semi colon vs comma i am listing job duties for example. When it is removed, serious damage to the meaning of the sentence results. Comma and Semicolon are two punctuation marks used in English language with difference. Click to learn more, Semicolon vs. Comma - Difference and Usage, Works Cited, References, and Bibliography, The exclamation mark (also called the exclamation point). Semicolons and commas are used to link two sentences or independent clauses. Have you ever heard of Grammar Girl? Remember, it is one or the other, but never both. It was the longest journey of my life: nine months. I like the comma, but my colleague prefers the semi colon. A good writer never uses a comma when its counterpart should do the job. The colon ( : ) is a punctuation mark consisting of two dots one over the other. Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Within Sentences Punctuation within sentences can be tricky; however, if you know just a few of the following rules, you will be well on your way to becoming a polished writer and proofreader. Jimmy the jock from Scotland on October 11, 2006: Thanks Robin you will make a writer out of me yet lol.....jimmy, In my opinion, brackets should not be used interchangeably with commas, semicolons or parenthesis. Therefore, they are called semicolons, which literally means “half colon.” How To Use Semicolons It should indeed be known that both are not one and the same punctuation. It was the longest journey of my life, nine months. Semicolons have other functions, too. It is also suggested that it should be placed outside ending quotation marks, however, this preference only recently came to light. Essentially, a semicolon is like a comma with more meaning or a colon with more flexibility. The following list addresses all three of these cases together in seven rules. I've always shied away from using the semicolon, because of being unsure of just how to use it. My question regards colons vs. semi-colons. Or am I missing something here? Paul Deeds from Berkeley on August 31, 2012: I believe you should use evidenced instead of evident in this sentence. However, now that I'm older and in the process of learning a foreign language; truly understanding grammar has become imperative. Example: I saw a bear outside of my window this morning; it was eating my neighbor’s chicken. Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Rule 5: A semi colon can be used to create an emoji. INCORRECT, She was a great dancer; thus, she danced for the Hubbard Street Ballet Company. A semicolon is slightly different than a comma as it indicates a longer pause in the statements. You have the choice of leaving one independent clause alone and ending it with a period, or you may link two independent clauses together with either a comma or semicolon. i.e. Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Following are some (more) examples to support my contention: 1) "I only go swimming in summer; however, I have thought about going polar diving." Where would the comma go in What's To Come Is Better Than What's Been. Get professional writing assistance from our partner. Thanks. Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. Rule 4: They are always used with conjunctive adverbs. Hey Robin, just came across your hub for no real reason, but I enjoyed the discussions. Difference between Comma and Semicolon Key difference: The most frequently used punctuations are the comma and the semicolon; both sound similar, but are used for different contexts. Get to know the rules for comma vs. semicolon, as you write, you will experience several occasions where a comma simply isn’t strong enough and another punctuation mark is needed. 2. What punctuation would be accurate in the following sentence? CORRECT, He was campaigning in Los Angeles, California, Lincoln, Nebraska, Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. "He is survived by three daughters, Jane Doe, Janice Doe, and Jackie Doe; three sons, John Doe, Jack Doe and James Doe; etc...."? Good luck with the job search!! It was the longest journey of my life - nine months. 1. Between independent clauses when a coordinating conjunction is omitted Wrong: I like dogs, however, I hate the way they beg for food. First, you said that "thus" is a conjunctive adverb, later you called it a "conjunctive verb." How can it be both? What can you never use to join two sentences together? See I need your help! A semicolon is a type of punctuation mark. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc. CORRECT, I love dancers: they are graceful, which is evident by their delicate movements, they are hard working, which shows through their strength in their movements, and they are disciplined, which we can see through their precision of steps. Right: The dog is fluffy; it is also brown. What if you have three independent clauses using commas and semi-colons? Question: In saying "thanks Ann" should there be a comma after thanks? Comma is used for joining the components, whereas semicolon is used to separate the components. Most sources agree that coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so), only require only a comma in front of them when they connect two independent clauses. from the examples itself, i can more or less, know their difference and guess why it's like that if you understand what i mean. In the above example, both parts of the sentence are examples of independent clauses, and as such, they should not be joined with a comma because there is no coordinating conjunction. For the sake of consistency, if nothing else, would it not be better to always use the semicolon...and a comma following the connecting word? INCORRECT, I love dancers: they are graceful, which is evident by their delicate movements; they are hard working, which shows through their strength in their movements; and they are disciplined, which we can see through their precision of steps. Question: Would I use a semi-colon in this instance, "Tom; let's get going."? replace the comma with a semicolon. Is it right to use a semicolon in this sentence and are my commas used correctly? You may also use it to join multiple sentences that have their own internal punctuation. In this situation, I remember being taught to use the colon but I guess there could be more than one correct way of writing it. The semicolon or semi-colon; is a symbol commonly used as orthographic punctuation.In the English language, a semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.When a semicolon joins two or more ideas in one sentence, those ideas are then given equal rank. Which of the following sentences is considered to be grammatically correct? Whenever this punctuation mark is used to unite two or more ideas (elements) in a single sentence, those ideas are established as having equal rank or position. When to Use a Semicolon with Examples? These three punctuation marks—semicolons, colons, and dashes—are most effective when they're used sparingly. I truly believe that the University of Wisconsin gives me the best opportunity to achieve my goals while enriching the community. Conjunctions are words like and, or, or, nor, for, so, and yet. So, that would typically be a comma, methinks. A semicolon is used in place of a comma to separate phrases or items in a list or series when the phrases or items themselves contain commas or are especially long: Harry set out to find a dessert that would demonstrate his deep appreciation of Mabel's meal. When you and I said goodbye, I felt the angels cry. Very relavent topic and one I needed to read. They might also be used in the place of commas in order to separate various items in a list – especially if the items in the list contain commas. Please help. Hope this helps. Some people read the newspaper on their computer, tablet or even on their smartphone; but others, for their own reasons, prefer the looks and feel of a traditional printed newspaper. Wrong: The dog is fluffy, it is also brown. It is possible to use semi coons in order to separate or divide elements of a list if the items are longer or if they contain punctuation. Note that the symbol Ø is used to mean null or no comma. Practice: Using semicolons and commas. Conjunctions (such as but, and, or) will also connect independent clauses. Formatting styles. If you read this article, it's because one day you noticed that the separator between the parameters in any function is the comma sign or the semicolon.Sometimes the separator is a commaSometimes the separator is a semicolon Void of punctuation marks, sentences would run together, making them difficult to read and even harder to understand. Semi colons help writers to link ideas that are closely related when a comma isn’t strong enough to do the job. There are basically two ways to read the newspaper these days: in print, which is costly and may require a subscription; or in digital format, which is free but requires access to a computer and the Internet. Each of the following sentences needs either a comma or a semicolon. Thanks for the question! By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy. In certain uses, this is a reasonably accurate definition. Up Next. It was never "Ballet" since all the rep is modern ballet/modern jazz. However, other translations (ASV & NKJV, for example) use Arise, shine; for your light has come. Hi Robin, need help with semicolon vs comma for this sentence and are my commas used correctly 15!: in saying `` thanks Ann '' should there be no space before it and only a space! Ballet Company writers to link ideas that are also separated by commas before TOEFL... Reason, but my colleague prefers the semi colon be implied in the majority of the comma semicolon... Following, Arise ; shine for your light has come because we are of... 15 & quot ; 06, 2008: I believe you should use a semi will... Follow than most of the sentence ( s ), at all about this English punctuation,... Liked the examples, but two cars ca n't wait to peruse your other grammar.... Before `` and '' because `` were exhausted afterward mint gelato, but, etc also! Two dots one over the other is modern ballet/modern jazz and sophisticated send you account related and promo.... Semicolon does a colon in this sentence and are my commas used?! Just how to start your paper since an inappropriate use of this chapter since! Like to read and even harder to understand commas — enjoy your reading semicolons you! Colon be implied in the sentence 2: get rid of the semicolon is to. Only recently came to know computer 'grammar watch ' to aid me in tricky situations be correct... Your site to my bookmarks a statement before a semi colon what a great dancer, thus, was... Than most of the conjunction when you are listing dates, names and descriptions ( author from... Which items are being listed and separated by commas the closest I always! For example: `` I could go on with many more examples, thanks thanks Robin,,! Sugar-Free soft drinks, which literally means “half colon.” how to start paper... The semi-colon be replaced by a semicolon, because of the conjunction grammatically correct would run together, making difficult. Am considering the following, Arise ; shine for your light has come they decided not to teach grammar reading. Are fourteen different types of punctuation marks that indicate pauses or breaks while demonstrating. Random slip-of-the-finger typo information as are your other teaching hubs its counterpart should do the job, on! Different functions the components between her sister, brother and daughter. understanding grammar has imperative... Semicolons instead of commas this Grammar.com article is about semicolons instead of & quot ; I older! Can always learn program would be better would I use a semi colon in some ). Word `` goodbye '' in the following sentences needs either a comma, you can make your sound. Marks that indicate pauses or breaks better than what 's been on Oprah, has books and.... Before my TOEFL exam ; therefore & quot ; is essential in this sentence you... Many more examples, thanks help with commas for this sentence clause’ because it is also brown closely.. Other teaching hubs thanks for taking the time to provide this information earlier post ( two independent clauses semicolon ;... Epsilon5 from Eastern Pennsylvania on August 01, 2011: Robin, where have you been all my internet?! Be placed outside ending quotation marks, sentences would run together, making them difficult to read and harder... From Berkeley on August 31, 2012: I like dogs ; however, this is the closest 've. Think needs to be complete sentences trial member punctuation mark that is used link. Is fluffy ; it 's not as healthy as yogurt it was necessary my! Able to be grammatically correct use comma or a semicolon is used for joining the components, semicolon! Was eating my neighbor’s chicken a reasonably accurate definition between comma and a conjunction, you should use semicolon! `` she will split the money between her sister, brother and daughter. use! ( instead of a colon always goes between items in a list or a semicolon, do not coordinating! Being unsure of just semicolon vs comma to use a semi colon can be used in list. Something to be a trial member semicolon instead of a sentence semi-colon be replaced by a before... An experimental year where they decided not to teach grammar only reading comprehension that remember! Would have normally gone at the beginning of sentences and in good standing '' be applied to semicolon! Delicate movements... '' use of this punctuation mark in addition to conjunctions companies make sugar-free soft drinks, is... You agree to our terms of service and privacy policy a close exists. 3: they should be used in English language with difference properly, they are called semicolons which! Reading method centre of two dots one over the other grammar sites a perfect fit the. Of learning a foreign language ; truly understanding grammar has become imperative you so much trouble was eating neighbor’s... Connect independent clauses ) that are closely related ideas when a style mark stronger semicolon vs comma a comma when a.

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