Use of the semicolon, the ";" symbol.
9
votes
1answer
764 views
Is it proper usage to replace a comma in a list with a semi-colon in this situation (see details)?
While writing a proposal at work today I needed to mention a list of things and within that list were multi-part items. It seems like replacing the comma with a semi-colon in this situation would make ...
25
votes
6answers
1k views
How does one correctly use a semicolon?
How does one correctly use a semicolon? It is probably one of the more difficult punctuation marks to master in my opinion.
31
votes
5answers
5k views
Should I use a semicolon or a dash to connect two closely related sentences?
When you want to connect two closely related sentences, you can use a semicolon or a dash. (You can also use a dash for other kinds of non-sentential relations). How would you choose whether to use a ...
11
votes
3answers
603 views
Colons and semi-colons
I've seen a few questions on this site relating to semi-colons, which I believe I correctly understand, but what I'm not as clear about is colons. For example:
The man ate the apple; it tasted ...
3
votes
1answer
216 views
Any examples of where a full-stop can't replace a semi-colon?
By virtue of separating two closely related but separate thoughts, the semi-colon can generally be replaced by a full stop. I don't mean in the beauty and sound of it, but just grammatically. Can you ...
4
votes
3answers
4k views
When should one use the comma versus the semicolon, and vice versa?
I cannot understand the difference between the comma and semicolon. Can you please clarify?
6
votes
4answers
9k views
Does the word after a question mark start with a capital letter?
Should I write it like this? Or perhaps like this?
Should I write it like this? or perhaps like this?
What about after an exclamation mark or semicolon?
3
votes
3answers
249 views
Understanding independent clauses
My understanding is that semicolons are used to separate independent clauses of a sentence, and also to delimit a list wherein one or more members contain a comma.
Regarding the first usage, my ...
1
vote
1answer
121 views
What is the correct punctuation to use in this case?
If I have a sentence like:
The royal family is extremely rich: The sled that pulls the princess
is shaped like a golden swan, the celebrations last 3 days, and the
bride and groom walk under a ...
