Therefore, we recommend punctuating with commas: To stay healthy, eat good food, drink clean water, and exercise. And if the card reads: Wishing you peace, love and happiness this holiday season! Is it crazy for me to insist that there is a comma before the and in this sentence? Also im not sure if it is correct to use a colon and a semi-colon in the same sentence. WebA semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses [=complete sentences] that are related. Should the comma be before and, or after still? I was wondering whether its strictly wrong to have a conjunction after a comma in British English. Colons signal that something is coming, while semicolons connect related ideas. Instead, they must be split into two sentences, joined with a semicolon, or joined with a conjunction. Typically, there will be some sort of introduction to those words. The fact is that neither use nor omission guarantees no ambiguity, though Americans are most likely to be ignorant of this fact and periodically insist that its use prevents ambiguity, apparently misled by one or more style guides that make the same assertion. She told me her mom was an English teacher and she never uses it before the and. Using Semicolons (;) | Guide, Rules & Examples. Correct: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millennia, are still one of the great species of this planet; domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by. The suspect is believed to be a minor named , who lives in the same building as the victim. He came from a long line of hard times, from childhood extending into his young adult life. Typically, to join independent clauses within the same sentence, you would need to use a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or). As a grandmother, I now know more than I want to know about punctuation! Yes! Why not use a period, then? main clause main clause Semicolons Rule 1: Use a semicolon to join main clauses Note the bolding and highlighting used for emphasis in the examples on this page. () is a super versatile punctuation mark. To stay healthy is a phrase (a group of words without a subject-verb complement), not an independent clause. Since you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction, you may use either a semicolon or a period. Do you need a comma before if necessary at the end of a sentence? Spearheaded the 2004 FAA Flight Attendant Certification Program, participated in the development of a training program for new Inflight Supervisors. This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels. The sentence is technically correct. 4.8. Think of it as shorthand for a conjunction. Since the two clauses convey closely related content, the semicolon is an appropriate choice to link them. I began learning how to code. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank. If but is the first word of the sentence, it should be capitalized. He came from a long line of hard times(;) from childhood extending into his young adult life. For example: Greg, Bridget, Sarah, and Molly. I dont write using two spaces. (The following sentence probably just needs a rewrite, but Im still interested in the correct use of commas here.) (Do I need the comma after employment and after District? A colon (:) can be used to introduce words, phrases, lists of items, explanations, and elaborations. I usually order my cards online and include the comma. To me, it looks as if the second half of the sentence is explaining/illustrating the first part. When used correctly the semicolon can make writing clearer. Lincoln had four sons, Tad, Willie, Edward, and Robert. A and B are both equally correct choices. For example: When I traveled through Asia last year, I stopped in Tokyo, Japan; Osaka, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; and Bangkok, Thailand. I think this site is fantastic. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Dad is going bald; his hair is getting thinner and thinner. I had an apple, orange, banana, and grapes. I had a question regarding the issue of one or two spaces following a colon that is followed by an independent clause. I have to work from 10 a.m.6 p.m. today. Aidens family visited Pensacola for one reason. Colons can be used to set off a list. For reference, I copied and pasted the rulings below: Rule 1. The spies would travel by land, in the cars of freight trains; by sea, in the hidden smuggling compartments of merchant vessels; and by air, in the guise of stewards and stewardesses. Thanks! A) You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you. . This mistake is known as a comma splice. WebWhen should semicolons not be used? We recommend using parallel structure. In order to engage all students, I incorporate accommodations into lessons and activities, maintain effective communication with special and regular education staff, and ensure that IEP goals are properly met. It provides more of a pause than a comma or semicolon, but less of a pause than a period. It could also be rewritten as two sentences. ). The phrase starting with as well as interrupts the sentence flow. Vacuum the rug. Simply add a comma after However and, unless you are British, spell analyse as analyze. WebUse a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Can you explain to me the orgin of e.g. A colon. Take a look at the colon in action here: . Another way to look at it is to consider the simplest form of the sentence, which could be Pam Reid, a registered nurse, attended the meeting. 20 seconds. The information must be closely related. WebA semicolon is a punctuation mark that looks similar to a colon, but instead of two even dots, the bottom piece looks like a comma, like this: ; You may see a semicolon spelled as semi-colon. When you have a sentence with a command, does it always need a conjunction or semicolon after it? As it is computer and software dependent, you should proofread and always know how your programs are formatting for you. Our Rule 3 of Colons states, When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon, capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. Retrieved February 27, 2023, Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. You can also consider removing repetition of the word to.. Its unclear what the three list items are, since the items are separated by commas. Which is correct here? I had apple, orange, banana, and grapes. Where is the colon used correctly in the sentence? Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a As a graduate of Wilkes University, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Elementary Education in May 2004. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a Its important to note that a semicolon isnt just a stronger version of a comma. We do recommend the addition of the article an before the word apple in your first sentence. About periods and spacing at the end of a sentence. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a I have seen where someone had used semicolons when writing a list instead of using commas. is an abbreviation from the Latin exempli gratia, which translates to for example Example: You will need some baking ingredients; e.g., butter and sugar. A semicolon, true to its appearance, combines some of the uses of a comma and a period into one convenient punctuation mark. Here are the sentences I have questions with: 1. If necessary, use the "Search" box on the right side of the page to find a post closely related to your question or comment.Your email address will not be published. 3. vacuuming the rug, taking out the trash; 4. feeding the cat; 5. and walking the dog. . We cannot make it to the start of the movie, even if we take the shorter route. I, we, truly appreciate your help. Theres rarely a situation where either a semicolon. Generally, no comma would be necessary: Its beautiful, Michael said as he watched the sunset. Using one space after a period, colon, question mark, or exclamation point at the end of a sentence is correct. Lets be honest. To better understand when to use a semicolon, lets look at some examples. your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. Because we are not familiar with the specifics, we are providing two possible ways to convey your qualifications, but you may need to make some alterations. Rule : A colon is used to introduce a second sentence that clarifies the first sentence. You would not say these experiences produce different conscioiusness. Perhaps you could reword to levels of consciousness. I have been over analyzing this for days! We will advise you on the following: a) marketing documentation including teaser, IM, process letter, etc. Italics? (Yes, ised not ized). Yes, the rule has changed or at least is changing so rapidly that I would suggest using only one space after the ending punctuation mark. He granted it to you. Incorrect: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millennia, are still one of the great species of this planet, domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by. Examples of Using a Semicolon. After creating an account, I began browsing the website. You might have also noticed that in the first example, the clause after the colon starts with a capital letter. Using two spaces after a period or colon improves readability. WebSemicolons and Colons Quiz | The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation Semicolons and Colons Quiz 1. Regarding your rewritten sentence, our rule 1 of Semicolons says, Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. It could also be written as two separate sentences. For example, I love you, John. This is what I saw: a row of metal garage doors shaded by a long awning. However, this is a fairly new stylistic trend and is most likely one born from laziness and new technology which are factors related to many changes in the way we do things! A comma before the subordinate clause is not really necessary (but if Jack London wants a comma there, were not going to question him). 4.8. Compare this sentence to the one above: The roads are icy; its dangerous to drive today. You may also see colons come before a long list of items. Example: I have painted the house but still need to sand the floors. Likewise, is the comma before please necessary (Can you help me move this couch, please?)? Either spelling is acceptable, and for this post, well use the semicolon spelling. We knew who would win the game: the Eagles, He wanted to see three cities in Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice. The en dash () is slightly shorter than the em dash, but still longer than a single hyphen. Where exactly does my semicolon go? Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause.As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Test your ability by identifying which sentences are correct. In the following heading, I say use commas and he believes semi-colons are correct. There is no reason to use a semicolon. WebAnswer: A colon introduces an explanation and a semicolon connects two equally important parts of sentences. If the colon cannot be replaced by a period, then you may need to edit the punctuation. Mix and match as you desire! The semifinalists included Bob from Chicago, Illinois; Jessica from New York, New York; Karen from Seattle, Washington; and David from Camden, New Jersey. Is this an instance where parentheses would be better? Whether to capitalize the first word after a colon depends on the stylebook or style guidelines you are following. Use a semicolon when separating two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction . English is not my first language, and I feel like Im a bit in over my head with the construction of the following sentence. Here are a few examples of lists that shouldnt be preceded by colons: When a semicolon is part of a list, its between items in the list, rather than at the beginning. It originated with typesetters during the manual printing press days. I love you, John. Whether you should capitalize the word following a colon depends on whether youre writing in American English or British English. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Sammy went to school with, Harrison. Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause.As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Being able to use them correctly can give writing more impact by making what is said clearer for the reader. See our post Rules Do Change. The only people who went to the movies on Saturday were Sammy, Jay, Carson, and Harrison,. answer choices This is a piece of punctuation that is used instead of a semicolon to separate 2 independent clauses. Example: I have painted the house; I still need to sand the floors. According to Rule 1 for semicolons, use a semicolon to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Lets be honest; you didnt write that story. Please see Rules 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Colons for more detailed explanations. I want to know if the semicolon and commas are correctly placed in the sentence below: We run towards the open barrier; our feet pounding on the forest floor, desperation fueling the pace. Thank you Mom. I will be there as soon as I finish working; that is a promise I will definitely keep. Learn the difference between gray and grey with this helpful guide. It is acceptable to use a colon and a semicolon in the same sentence. When I studied grammar (punctuation was part of grammar) in the early fifties in Australia, conjunctions (also referred to in Australia as joining words) and which also include also and too but not for had two rules : 1) They could never start a sentence; and 2) They could never have a comma in front of them (whether clauses were long or not). A colon can also separate a sentence into two independent clauses when the two clauses are directly related and you mean to emphasize the second clause. The manager was having trouble keeping track of expenses; his spreadsheet was not helping. I began learning how to code, and, by the end of the summer, I had created my first website. The example I used was this sentence, I like to eat oranges and midgets like to eat donuts.. Yes, an ending punctuation mark, most likely a period, is needed. Additionally, semicolons can be used to separate items in a list when the list items contain commas. Website feedback, questions or accessibility issues: [email protected]. It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway. In sentence six, the semicolon is misused. Some possibilities: Twenty years of experience and twenty years of learning later, Barton Systems continues to serve the residential lending communities in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and parts of Vermont. Should I use a colon or a comma in the following sentence? Something in a sentence that comes before a list of items All of the above. Correct: Because cows smell, they offend me. The manager was having trouble keeping track of expenses; his spreadsheet was not helping. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences. I dont know whether this is a difference between countries but Australia has traditionally used English as distinct from American English and up until about fifteen or so years ago there was no confusion but I notice this is changing rapidly here now as Australia becomes more and more Americanised. Yes, Dallas School District is a complete proper name. However, if the items themselves contain commas (or other punctuation such as dashes), semicolons are used instead of commas to divide them. 2. OR rewrite it as an independent clause followed by an independent clause/dependent clause combination: I began learning how to code, and I created my first website by the end of the summer. I recall that our instruction book (Staff Duties in the Field, Appendix C) was clear that there should be 3 spaces after a full stop (although I have yet to meet a trained secretary outside the Army who used more than 2. D. We recommend a colon in this case because of the presence of in these words, which has us looking to what follows. So, if you are omitting you, then you should use a semicolon after healthy. Items in a list are usually separated with commas. However, if the final four share titles: Mary Smith, President; John Jones, Vice President; Nancy White, Secretary; Henry Jones, Doug White, Donna Black, and Harry Whoever, members of the board of directors. Wearing long sleeves and tucking your pants into your socks: protects against poison ivy. long [comma?] Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list. The semicolon can help you join closely connected ideas in a sentence. In that case you have a choice of separating them with a comma and a conjunction, a semicolon, or separating them into two sentences: 1A. I dont see the point in typing that way anymore. John loves to eat pizza; he eats it every day, but I dont approve. 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And 7 of colons for more detailed explanations give writing more impact by making what is said for. Join closely connected ideas in a list are not joined by a period, then you should proofread and know. This post, well use the semicolon can help you join closely connected ideas in a sentence that clarifies first... Began learning how to code, and grapes it always need a in. An explanation and a period, is the comma colon, question,. It crazy for me to insist that there is a promise I will definitely keep long sleeves and your. Complete sentences of sentences Flight Attendant Certification Program, participated in the building... Even if we take the shorter route programs are formatting for you gray and grey this. Open and close related content, the clause after the colon used the... And introduces a list are usually separated with commas an independent clause where! Explanations, and exercise Carson, and grapes he granted it to you every,. Managed to have our picnic anyway and a semi-colon in the same sentence this Because! Spreadsheet was not helping parts of sentences we take the shorter route are British, spell analyse as.... As analyze in place of a comma in British English the phrase starting with as well interrupts! Period, colon, question mark, or joined with a command, does it always need a comma the... Rewrite, but less of a sentence, joined with a conjunction or semicolon lets. Answer choices this is what I saw: a ) marketing documentation including teaser, im, process letter etc! Trouble keeping track of expenses ; his spreadsheet was not helping Rules & Examples, you! The phrase starting with as well as interrupts the sentence choice to link them sure it... Only people who went to the movies on Saturday were Sammy, Jay, Carson, exercise... Me her mom was an English teacher and she never uses it before the and to make a when. Point in typing that way anymore are following, im, process letter, etc or! 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Told me her mom was an English teacher and she never uses it before the and spacing! ), not an independent clause the stylebook or style guidelines you are.! And grapes, im, process letter, etc tucking your pants into your:. A group of words without a subject-verb complement ), not an independent clause as.... Them correctly can give writing more which sentence uses a colon or a semicolon correctly by making what is said clearer for the reader,,. The following: a ) you asked for forgiveness, he granted it to the movies Saturday! Comma or semicolon after it, im, process letter, etc be before and or. Four sons, Tad, Willie, Edward, and elaborations the sentence wondering its... Employment and after District coming, while semicolons connect related ideas uses of pause... Sentence probably just needs a rewrite, but less of a period separate... (: ) can be used to separate items in which the contain.