What are semicolons used for?
Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
Do you use a colon before a question?
Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a question. Example: The primary question is this: Should we give up or keep working diligently toward our goal?
Can you use a semicolon in a compound sentence?
A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses that have related ideas. The independent clauses can be joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon, as you can see in the compound sentence examples below.
How do you use a colon in an essay?
You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related. Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing.
Can you use a colon before a list of questions?
A single question contained in a sentence can also be preceded by a colon as long as the word before the question is not a verb. The question should start with a capital letter: In the example above, the questions in series are not capitalized because they are not complete sentences and do not begin with a proper noun.
How do you use a semicolon in a bulleted list?
Semicolons were traditionally used in lists to separate each bullet point, but although this is still correct, they are not used as often today….Lists with points relating to a stem statement
- put a semicolon at the end of each point;
- use ‘and’ after the second-to-last point; and.
- finish with a full stop.
How do you list a series of questions?
A: Yes, a series of questions in the middle of a sentence, surrounded by dashes or parentheses, is punctuated in just that way. Each question begins with a lowercase letter and ends with a question mark, according to language guides.
How do you combine sentences examples?
You have four options for combining two complete sentences: comma and a conjunction (“and,” “but,” “or,” “for,” or “yet”) semicolon and a transitional adverb, like “therefore,” “moreover,” or “thus”
Can you separate two sentences with a semicolon?
Semicolons can be used to separate two independent clauses. For instance, the phrases, “I hurt my knee,” and “I have a hard time walking,” are two clauses that could be complete sentences on their own and are also related.
How do you ask a question with a semicolon?
When someone asks two questions and uses “or” in between, there are two options: Put a comma/semicolon before the “or” that separates the two sentences and a question mark at the end; or make it into two questions.
What is an example of a sentence with a semicolon?
Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.
How do you end a list with a semicolon?
Use a semicolon to separate items in a list containing internal punctuation. Use a semicolon to join/separate closely related, complete sentences. The semicolon is stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period (full stop).
Why use a colon instead of a comma?
Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations. Rule: A colon is used to introduce a second sentence that clarifies the first sentence.
What are semicolons commas?
A group of words containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence or an independent clause. Depending on the circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence: a comma or a semicolon. The choice is yours.