The semicolon — the semicolon The main purpose of semicolons is to show that two ideas, although separate, are closely related. … The second purpose of semicolons is to separate the elements of a list that already contains commas. Notice how confused you would be if only commas were used in the following lists.
What are the 14 punctuation marks and how to use them?
The 14 punctuation marks we use the most are:
- period (or period), question mark , exclamation mark,
- comma, semicolon, two -dots,
- Hyphen, hyphen,
- parentheses, square brackets, curly brackets,
- apostrophe, quotation marks, and ellipsis.
What do the commas symbolize?
A comma (,) means a short pause in a sentence. It can also split clauses (“parts of a sentence”) or elements in a list. And it’s often used to create a break or to improve the clarity of a sentence. Obviously, a comma has many functions as a punctuation mark.
What is the meaning of the semicolon?
“A semicolon is used when an author could have chosen to end their sentence but chose not to. … Just as the sign is a sign for readers to pause before continuing a sentence, participants took the sign as a reminder that their story is not over and that they should tell it.
What is a semicolon used for when writing?
Rules for Using Semicolons A semicolon is most commonly used to join (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. … Use a semicolon between two independent clauses connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
What are punctuation marks and examples?
Punctuation includes characters, not words, that support the structure of a sentence and help the reader understand or navigate that sentence: Punctuation includes commas, semicolons, colons, periods, quotation marks, and apostrophes. … Periods are a form of punctuation that signals the end of a sentence or the end of a sentence. 12
What are the 8 rules for commas?
Commas, commas and more commas. Commas help your reader determine which words belong together in a sentence and which parts of your sentence are most important. Incorrect use of commas can confuse the reader, indicate ignorance of spelling rules, or indicate carelessness.
What are examples of semicolons?
Examples of semicolons: Joan likes eggs, Jennifer doesn’t. The cat slept through the storm, the dog curled up under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.
Are semicolon tattoos cliche?
Yes. Other. It has become a cliché for us, a boredom, an exercise. We joke about the predictability and lament that people can’t seem to find a more original symbol for suicidal awareness – perhaps, we hope, one that would be more interesting for tattoos.