Questions tagged [semicolon]
Use of the semicolon, the ";" symbol.
0
votes
0answers
26 views
Semicolon and Em-dash Usage in Technical Articles
First off, I am looking more for readability takes, not necessarily hard fast grammar policing. However, utter grammar mistakes must be avoided.
The last couple works I have made for publishing (in ...
-1
votes
1answer
41 views
Semicolon error after 'limits'? [closed]
The original sentence is as follows:
Though Ramez Naam does not entirely deny the possibility of a self-reliant AI in his quote like Pinker does in this article, the words from Naam’s quote show ...
0
votes
1answer
42 views
How to understand the use of the semicolon in the sentence?
Men, particularly, spend hours of their leisure time installing their own fireplaces, laying out their own gardens; building garages and making furniture.
I do not understand the use of the ...
1
vote
0answers
64 views
Comma vs semicolon in if / otherwise sentence
I suggested to someone recently that they reword a sentence (in a web standards specification document, if it matters) to:
Let A be 1 if B is true and C is X, 2 otherwise.
Someone else agreed ...
1
vote
1answer
41 views
Semicolon usage in conjunction with a conjunction
I once was blind and deaf to the Saviour's beckoning but He reached
into my disobedient heart and lovingly led me to surrender my will for
His; to trade death for life and sight and sound; and to ...
0
votes
1answer
31 views
A semi-colon before a “comprised of” list, or a new sentence?
I'm writing something along the lines of
The service is comprised of two parts; detailed tracking, and logging.
Should I employ the semi-colon, as above, or is a colon more appropriate? Or should ...
0
votes
1answer
80 views
What is the correct punctuation usage for 'thus' in this sentence?
"They believe technology serves humankind by empowering us with access to information and the ability to spread that useful information; thus, enriching our lives."
0
votes
1answer
33 views
What punctuation should you use after a list?
What punctuation should you use after a list and before describing the list? In the example below, what should I use where I have used a dash? Or is the dash correct?
"Some examples of Apple’s ...
1
vote
0answers
30 views
Semicolon to separate a command and a clause? [closed]
Would separating a verb used in the imperative (ex. remember, behold, be careful) followed by a clause using a semicolon be correct? For example, in the case of Diogenes and his plucked chicken, would ...
0
votes
1answer
24 views
comma vs. colon
Should I use a comma or a semi-colon to connect these two sentences?
In addition to my education, interpersonal skills and work experience,
my previous experience at XXX gives me insight into the ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
Do I use a dash or a semicolon here, or something else entirely?
Is it
"In other words, you can compare my existence in the dating world with living in the Sahara--bone dry with the occasional oasis appearing"
or
"In other words, you can compare my existence in ...
0
votes
1answer
51 views
Is this a correct usage of a semicolon: It's not that I don't care; it's that I care too much?
I could see case here for a colon: It's not that I don't care: it's that I care too much.
Or even a comma: It's not that I don't care, it's that I care too much.
1
vote
1answer
122 views
I'm using three questions in a list inside quotation marks, would I separate with a comma, semicolon, or nothing? Are the question marks even needed? [duplicate]
A sentence with a list of questions inside quotation marks, how do I separate them? I can't find a solid answer anywhere.
Option 1:
In simple terms, Naikan is based on three questions: “What have I ...
1
vote
0answers
22 views
Can a punctuation mark at the end of a quote be changed to a period to end a sentence?
For example, say I wanted to quote the following line of poetry: "To cloke your weariness;"
The line ends in a semicolon. However, what would I do if I wanted to quote it at the end of a sentence? ...
1
vote
1answer
50 views
Comma or semicolon between independent clauses that have internal commas and that are joined by a coordinating conjunction
In high school I learned that when joining two independent clauses where either contained a comma I should always use a semicolon before the coordinating conjunction. For example,
If Alice had known ...
1
vote
3answers
102 views
Should you use a comma after a number that falls at the end of a clause, even if the number has commas in it (ex: 1,000,000)?
For example, in the sentence
The cost is anticipated to be $1,000,000, inclusive of pre-construction costs.
is it appropriate to use a comma after $1,000,000 or should a semicolon be used?
0
votes
1answer
68 views
Should you use a semi-colon to punctuate a list that contains only two items?
Pupils must know what adjectives, nouns and synonyms are, and be able to infer meanings of adjectives based on context clues.
OR
Pupils must know what adjectives, nouns and synonyms are; and be able ...
1
vote
1answer
56 views
Punctuation before an addendum
Over the cemetery a cloud always hangs, a thick grey one.
Over the cemetery a cloud always hangs; a thick grey one.
Over the cemetery a cloud always hangs—a thick grey one.
Which of these is ...
0
votes
1answer
3k views
Is a comma appropriate in “Sounds good, thanks.”
If I am writing "Sounds good, thanks.", is a comma appropriate between "Sounds good" and "thanks"? It seems awkward/too much to instead do "Sounds good; thanks." or "Sounds good. Thanks."
Would the ...
1
vote
1answer
45 views
Is a semi-colon correct here or should it be a period?
Here's what I wrote. It feels wrong to start a sentence with "I tried that" as the reader wouldn't know what I'm talking about unless they read the previous lines, which is why I thought I'd use a ...
-1
votes
1answer
515 views
Semi-colon or comma before then?
Should a semi-colon or a comma go before the 'then'?
John ate an apple,/; then he ate an orange.
From what I remember, 'then' should follow a semi-colon when between two independent clauses; ...
0
votes
2answers
639 views
Usage of semicolon before because
I was always taught that when I have two independent clauses with the usage of because separating them, I should add a semicolon before because. Is this correct? Example sentences:
He dragged me ...
1
vote
1answer
55 views
Can a semicolon be placed between two sentences if the second sentence begins with a pronoun that refers back to the previous sentence?
Consider the following closely-related sentences:
Those tribes have been farmers for centuries. They do not desire to do
anything else.
would this way of writing the sentences be correct as well:...
0
votes
1answer
91 views
Dependent clause w/list *comma or semicolon* followed by independent clause
Should we use a semicolon or comma when an adverbial dependent clause containing a list is followed by an independent clause?
While not everyone is a Newton, Einstein, or Hawking, every one of them ...
0
votes
1answer
315 views
How to use semicolons (when listing people’s names and actions)?
I’ve been reading this paragraph:
I unlock the bathroom door and pull the handle down, I open it slightly, only to see the face of every family member residing in this house, crowding outside my ...
1
vote
2answers
121 views
Should we use an em dash, en dash, or semi-colon
A sentence is causing some discussion in the office - it's about a Nylon product. We are not sure if we should use an en-dash, em-dash, semi-colon, or something else entirely. I thought an em-dash was ...
0
votes
0answers
228 views
Semicolon or comma in a long sentence with series?
I have been taught different things regarding when to use a semicolon or a comma to separate the items in a series in a long sentence. Take the sentence below:
If you do not like what I have to say,...
1
vote
3answers
96 views
Use of Semicolon in this Sentence [duplicate]
In the following sentence can the first comma be replaced with a semicolon for smoother reading?
"An hour drifted by, and the lady, whose name was Arcey Pierre, called it a day."
0
votes
1answer
49 views
help: punctuating a long list containing abbreviations [closed]
any suggestions for the following list:
"such as: joiner, Hollaender swivel T, Hollaender horizontal flat plate, jr. end piece, Hollaender split cross, flange base, [Matthews] Big Ben, speedrail ear, ...
0
votes
1answer
21 views
Semicolon and quotes usage
Which of the following sentences are most appropriate?
Hence, the teachers/educators need to look upon these points and further explore the child’s ‘behavior’; what the Psychologist call as the “...
1
vote
0answers
65 views
'Evergreen trees are a symbol of fertility; they do not die in the winter' What sentence structure is this? [closed]
'Evergreen trees are a symbol of fertility; they do not die in the winter' What
sentence structure is this?
0
votes
1answer
17k views
What is the difference between “;” and “:” I don't really understand this difference? [closed]
I never really understood the difference between these so if someone could elaborate that would be excellent.
0
votes
0answers
46 views
Use of semicolon - in this sentence - as a way to add additional information
I am trying to list the things that one should keep in mind when traveling with kids, but I also want to convey that child should not be allowed to travel with a teen alone. Am I using the semicolon ...
1
vote
0answers
34 views
Semi-colon usage
Has this semi-colon been used correctly? If not, how should this sentence read?
Thank you.
This brew is a result of passion, hard work, and commitment; connecting family, friendships and good times.
1
vote
0answers
32 views
Punctuation confusion, commas, semicolons, and em dashes
I'm having a hard time trying to punctuate the following sentence. I have it using just commas right now, but I do not think that is right.
On Earth they see the Sun every day, it’s always there, ...
1
vote
2answers
266 views
When to use semicolon [duplicate]
I have gone through lots of posts on the internet, but couldn't find any convincing answer for the correct usage of the semicolon in sentences.
Also, I'd like to know why we can't use a full stop ...
0
votes
1answer
56 views
Using a semicolon to separate two different scenarios
Within my free-writing I have stumbled across a roadblock.
My Sentence: "The concepts within a story should not be retained as mere memories; Instead, as ideas."
My Question: Is the semicolon used ...
6
votes
1answer
135 views
Is the solution of the Maine Legislature to the Oxford Comma Case…clunky?
The Oxford Comma Case (Oakhurst Dairy in Portland, ME vs its drivers) has been settled for five million dollars. According to The New York Times
The relatively small-scale dispute gained ...
0
votes
1answer
57 views
Semicolon for list of examples between two types of thing
I just read that you should use a semicolon for a list where the list items contain commas. However, my sentence doesn't have a list as the main "list" only two items. Or do two items already count as ...
1
vote
1answer
172 views
Specific punctuation, AmE vs BrE [duplicate]
I'm aware of most differences in punctuation usage between American English and British English. However, I came across something conflicting or erroneous when I was reading Oxford English Grammar, ...
1
vote
0answers
46 views
Semicolon or comma in example sentence
On a resume, which one is correct:
Worked closely with internal and external stakeholders; for instance, Australian government
Or
Worked closely with internal and external stakeholders, for ...
0
votes
1answer
124 views
Can a semi-colon be followed by and adverb and then a conjunction?
In the following sentence, is the usage of the semi-colon correct?
Developing techniques to describe this particular system is intractably difficult; mainly because there is no reference system ...
0
votes
2answers
36 views
Should a semicolon be used in this sentence? [closed]
Is the following sentence correct?
Ellie disagreed, saying, “Foot fungus is much more fun than learning
words.”
Specifically, should there be a semicolon somewhere before the quote?
4
votes
3answers
205 views
Is the use of semi-colon correct here?
Consider the following sentence:
"Walker was not only the trailblazer in the medical field; she was also a visionary who bravely challenged many of the social prejudices of her day. "
My question ...
0
votes
2answers
105 views
How to correctly use colon? [closed]
I have the following sentence:
The company will be oriented towards the development of three types of
products: video games, video animations and digital marketing for
which it will make use of ...
2
votes
2answers
3k views
Is this sentence punctuated correctly? [closed]
Is this correctly punctuated?
He went to the bar to drown his sorrows; he is there now, probably drinking vodka.
1
vote
0answers
273 views
Can you put a quote next to a semi colon? [closed]
A sentence begins with 'he said' (person A) and then a description of whatever he said by another person (person B). Then after the description ';' was added and a quote from the person who said the ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
Comma or semicolon before “see [reference]”
Motivated by this question on [academia.se]: a copy-editor changed the semicolon in
This can be proved via the method of Gauss; see [1].
to a comma.
Is the version with a comma grammatically ...
1
vote
0answers
114 views
Specific Semicolon vs. Dash Case
and thanks for taking the time to read my question.
I was writing an essay not too long ago, and I ended up writing a sentence that goes like this:
As people convert to higher-paid jobs the birth ...
3
votes
2answers
214 views
Parsing “each other, however, but”
My AP English Literature and Composition Teacher was reading aloud a piece on comedy and satire:
Characters in the novels are not always morally and socially obliging to each other, however, but ...
