Why do we use semicolons if we could just use commas and periods?
Why do we use semicolons if we could just use commas and periods?
Two, we can use a semicolon in the place of a period between two complete sentences; in such cases, the semicolon does less than a period, allowing us to express a close topical connection between two independent sentences. 1. If we use semicolons, however, we avoid that ambiguity.
What does the comma represent?
The comma functions as a tool to indicate to readers a certain separation of words, phrases, or ideas in order to prevent misreading the writer’s intended meaning. When a sentence is spoken aloud, a comma often represents a pause, which in verbal conversation functions to clarify meaning.
How do you use a colon semicolon and punctuation?
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.
Where do you use commas and semicolons in English?
Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction. Example: I have painted the house; I still need to sand the floors. 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.
Can semicolons be used as commas?
Use semicolons to replace commas when individual items in a series are long or contain commas. Use a semicolon instead of a comma to separate the items.
Can I use a colon and semicolon in the same sentence?
Colons and semicolons can be used in the same sentence, but they are each used for different purposes. In this example, the colon is used to introduce the cities.
How do you start a colon with a list?
Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate. Examples: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
Can you use a colon for a list of two things?
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.
When should a colon be used examples?
Colons
- To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation.
- To join sentences.
- To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions.
- Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement.
- Using a colon between a preposition and its object.
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
This time, the list items themselves contain commas. 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.
How do you use commas and semicolons in a list?
Items in lists are usually separated with commas. However, if the list items themselves contain commas, then semicolons can be used as separators to outrank those commas. But according to your question, if the contents of the list are actually separate things, then it makes sense to use commas.
Do you use a colon or semicolon before a list?
Something is clearly missing. This means that no colon is needed and it would be incorrect to use one before the list. So if you have a list, remember you only use a colon before it if the list follows a clause that could be used on its own.
Do you put a colon after including?
Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as “such as,” “including,” and “for example.” Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.
How do you list more than 3 things in a sentence?
An Oxford Comma is a comma used before the last list item in a list of three or more items. When there are three or more list items, then those following “US convention” should use a comma (often called an Oxford Comma) with the conjunction (usually “and” or “or”).
How do you list multiple things in a sentence?
Use a “loose” format—vertical space between list items—if the list items are multiple lines long. Punctuate list items only if they are complete sentences or clauses or phrases that complete the sentence begun by the lead-in (and use periods in these two cases).
How do you separate a list in a sentence?
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 punctuation goes before a list?
There are three punctuation marks involved in making a list in a sentence: the comma, colon, and semicolon. Which you use depends on how complex your list is. If you are writing a simple list, you can just insert a comma after each item.
What does a Pilcrow look like?
The pilcrow is usually drawn similar to a lowercase q reaching from descender to ascender height; the loop can be filled or unfilled. It may also be drawn with the bowl stretching further downwards, resembling a backwards D; this is more often seen in older printing.
What does Pilcrow mean?
Pilcrow. The pilcrow, also called the paragraph mark, paragraph sign, paraph, alinea, or blind P, is a typographical character for individual paragraphs.
What is an upside down question mark called?
Inverted question mark, ¿, and inverted exclamation mark, ¡, are punctuation marks used to begin interrogative and exclamatory sentences (or clauses), respectively, in written Spanish (both in Spain and Latin America) and sometimes also in languages which have cultural ties with Spain, such as the Galician, Asturian …
What does 3 question marks mean?
Two question marks indicate a much more questiony question. Three is for really, really, REALLY questiony questions. More than three is a mistake.
Why do I get upside down question marks in my texts?
The line ending in Android is different than the line ending in Apple – an iPhone can’t handle it, so it shows it as a question mark.