Semicolons separate items within a list
, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to
Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North
; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.
Can you use semicolons in a list?
Semicolons can be used to link items in a list
, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a ‘super comma’.
Can you use semicolons instead of commas in a list?
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).
What does a semicolon mean in a list?
Semicolons can be
used to link items in a list
, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a ‘super comma’.
What are some examples of semicolons?
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 semicolon in a list?
“If you
begin each item with a lowercase letter, put a semicolon at the end of each item, use and after the next-to-last item, and put a period after the last item
.” Garner calls this “vertical lists punctuated as a sentence.” This is where the semicolon confusion comes in.
When should a semicolon be used examples?
When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses
, you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently. I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.
When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?
Use a semicolon to replace a comma
when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas
. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.
Does a semicolon MEAN AND or OR?
Most commonly, the semicolon is used
between two independent clauses
(i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) when a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) is omitted. … The semicolon, however, emphasizes the connection between the two clauses.
How do you introduce a list?
- Use a colon to introduce the list items only if a complete sentence precedes the list. …
- Use both opening and closing parentheses on the list item numbers or letters: (a) item, (b) item, etc.
- Use either regular Arabic numbers or lowercase letters within the parentheses, but use them consistently.
How do you write a list after a colon?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
How do you use colons and semicolons?
Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are
used to join two independent clauses
, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.
How do you use a colon properly?
- The hard and fast rule is that a colon must ALWAYS follow a complete sentence. …
- A colon is used after a full sentence or independent clause to introduce something that illustrates, clarifies, or amplifies what was said in the sentence that preceded the colon.
How do you use a semicolon with however?
As a conjunctive adverb, however is used
to combine two sentences and show their contrast or opposition
. In this case, use a semicolon (;) before and a comma (,) after the word however. o The festival was to be held today; however, it was canceled due to the rainy weather.
Do you capitalize a list after a colon?
When using
a colon to join two clauses, capitalize the first word of the clause after the colon if it is a complete sentence
(American Psychological Association [APA], 2020, p. 156), e.g., Flooding caused road closures on January 28, 2016: Highway 1A and Cowichan Bay Road were both affected by washouts (Harnett, 2016).
