Listen to the audio pronunciation in the Cambridge English Dictionary.

The semicolon is a good punctuation mark to have in your back pocket. Definition and synonyms of semicolon from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Education. The general answer is no. In writing, a semicolon (;) is a type of punctuation used to combine full sentences and share complicated lists. Semicolon vs Colon! But don’t let this punctuation mark get you down, either. The examples above are both made up of two complete, grammatically correct sentences glued together. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation.Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. How to say myriad. 1.

Check … You can change your cookie settings at any time. But they can sure spice it up from time to time. After all, that sly emoticon winky eye can’t be The most common use of the semicolon is to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction like Do you use a capital letter after a semicolon? How to pronounce myriad. In writing, a semicolon (;) is a type of punctuation used to combine full sentences and share complicated lists. Listen to the audio pronunciation in the Cambridge English Dictionary. That’s exactly why you can’t substitute a comma for a semicolon. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses. How to say data. The group of words that comes before the semicolon should form a complete sentence, the group of words that comes after the semicolon … What is a Semicolon? Learn more. Instead, they’re somewhere in between: stronger than a comma but not quite as divisive as a period. Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. Don’t get your hopes up. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.

Semicolons let us clearly share two or more related ideas in one sentence, which … You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Colons and semicolons were initially used to express pauses longer than a comma and shorter than a period. Yes, that means there are six total sentences up there—and thanks to the semicolon, only two capital letters. This conjunctive adverb rule is similar to the conjunction rule.
NAmE / / ˈsɛmiˌkoʊlən / / jump to other results. This is the British English pronunciation of semicolon. Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses. Does that mean you can use it like either one? Sounds pretty cunning to us.

the mark ( ; ) used to separate the parts of a complicated sentence or items in a detailed list, showing a pause that is longer than a comma but shorter than a period compare colon. So whether you’re using it to whip up a good complex sentence or to give someone a wink, now you know how to do it right.Grammarly will make sure your writing is clear and mistake-free.We can go to the museum to do some research; Mondays are pretty quiet there.I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life’s too short for counting calories.Money is the root of all evil; I don’t believe the reverse is necessarily true.Martha has gone to the library; Andrew has gone to play soccer.I saw a magnificent albatross, and it was eating a mouse.I saw a magnificent albatross; it was eating a mouse.This is part of the same rule; the conjunction in question is “but” instead of “and.”I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; London, Ontario; Paris, France; Paris, Ontario; Perth, Scotland; Perth, Ontario.My plan included taking him to a nice—though not necessarily expensive—dinner; going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year; and serenading him with my accordion.I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.Reports of the damage caused by the hurricane were greatly exaggerated; indeed, the storm was not a “hurricane” at all.The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it was early in the evening.I’m not all that fond of the colors of tiger lilies; moreover, they don’t smell very good.Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox.You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog.Tone vs. noun. If so, then you’re grammatically good to go as far as the semicolon is concerned.Emoticons will never replace a solid knowledge of the English language.

Rules for Using Semicolons A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Semicolon. Let’s recap: so far we’ve got semicolons for linking two independent clauses; replacing a conjunction (whether showing similarity, like “and,” or opposition, like “but”); and long, comma-loving lists.

Some common conjunctive adverbs include These words sometimes show up in other parts of a sentence; therefore, the semicolon rule only applies if it helps the conjunctive adverb join two independent clauses.

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. Semicolons (;) are as basic as a period stacked on top of a comma. Notice that the letter following the semicolon is not capitalized.

Learn more. Learn how to use a semicolon (;) and when to use a colon (:) in English with examples, punctuation rules and ESL worksheets. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym.Remember, semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or periods.