Semicolon vs comma
- how is semicolon used
- how is semicolon used in a sentence
- how is a semicolon used correctly
- how is a semicolon used in writing
When to use colon
When to use a semicolon examples...
A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that connects two separate but related thoughts. They indicate a longer pause than a comma provides in a sentence, but a shorter pause than a colon.
There’s one main semicolon rule to remember: When used in a sentence, each side of the semicolon must include an independent clause (a full sentence).
Otherwise, the sentence isn’t grammatically correct.
Capitalizing After a Semicolon
You shouldn't capitalize the word after a semicolon unless it’s a proper noun.
Just like with coordinating conjunctions, a semicolon creates a sentence with two parts.
- I live in Arkansas; my best friend lives in Utah.When to use a dash
(Don’t capitalize)
- I live in Arkansas; Nora lives in Utah. (Only capitalize because Nora is a proper noun)
Semicolon Examples
When two sentences are closely related, separating them with a period may seem too harsh.
That’s where semicolons come in handy.
You’ll usually find semicolons in compound sentences, though skillful writers may use them in other sentence types too.
- I missed the bus; I guess I’m walking to school
- how is a semicolon used in a list
- how is a semicolon used in grammar