by Haley Schabes<\/p>\n
Part II: The six rules of the semicolon<\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone knows that the semicolon can be tricky. It\u2019s difficult to know when to use it instead of a comma or period. Many people avoid using it altogether. But these six quick rules should help clarify the basics of semicolon use, so you can see just how beneficial the semicolon really can be.<\/span><\/p>\n 1. The two grammatical sentences, one on either side of the semicolon, should follow the same idea. There is a reason why the semicolon (;) is a period on top of a comma; it indicates a pause that is longer than a comma and shorter than a period. Therefore, semicolons can replace periods in order to shorten the stop between two sentences. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Correct:<\/b> Semicolons can replace periods in order to shorten the stop between two sentences; however, the two sentences should follow the same idea. <\/span><\/p>\n Incorrect:<\/b> Semicolons can replace periods in order to shorten the stop between two sentences; however, the sky is blue.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses. Do not use semicolons to separate a dependent clause. If you can\u2019t put a period there, you can\u2019t put a semicolon there.<\/p>\n Incorrect: <\/b>Although I am busy; I made time for my friend.<\/span><\/p>\n Correct:<\/b> Although I am busy, I made time for my friend.<\/span><\/p>\n Correct:<\/b> I have a big test tomorrow. I need to make sure I study enough.<\/span><\/p>\n Correct:<\/b> I have a big test tomorrow; I need to make sure I study enough.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Use a semicolon before words such as <\/span>however, therefore, for instance, that is, for example,<\/span><\/i> etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. Notice the placement of the comma as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Correct: <\/b>He really likes to show his love for Beyonc\u00e9 in many ways; for example, he will yell the lyrics of her songs when they play on the radio.<\/span><\/p>\n Incorrect:<\/b> He really likes to show his love for Beyonc\u00e9 in many ways, for example, he will yell the lyrics of her songs when they play on the radio.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. The semicolon separates units in a series when one or more units contain commas:<\/span><\/p>\n Incorrect:<\/b> On our abroad we visited Paris, France, London, England, and Venice, Italy. <\/span><\/p>\n Correct:<\/b> On our abroad we visited Paris, France; London, England; and Venice, Italy. <\/span><\/p>\n 5. The semicolon can be placed between two independent clauses joined by connector words such as <\/span>and, or, but, not, <\/span><\/i>etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause.<\/span><\/p>\n Example:<\/b> After I fell, my teacher approached me with worried eyes; but she didn\u2019t ask if I was okay or if I needed help.<\/span><\/p>\n 6. Do not capitalize words other than proper nouns after semicolons:<\/p>\n Incorrect:<\/b> My favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate; However, today I wanted to try their cookie dough flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n Correct:<\/b> My favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate; however, today I wanted to try their cookie dough flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n Haley Schabes is a senior majoring in business administration and minoring in education, economics, and Asian studies. Her current aspiration is to teach English abroad after college.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Haley Schabes Part II: The six rules of the semicolon Everyone knows that the semicolon can be tricky. 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