Questions tagged [semicolons]
Use of the semicolon, the ";" symbol.
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Colon and semicolon use in a list of questions in APA style
I'm wondering the correct punctuation in a list of questions within an academic APA setting. For instance, if I had:
We were still able to address our original questions: How did the students respond ...
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What is the exact purpose of semicolons [duplicate]
I have never quite understood a semicolon’s purpose in a sentence. I understand it brings two complete sentences together, but when should exactly I use it? Are there any rules I should know about?
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Is it unacceptable to start the second clause of a semicolon with a number?
I know it's generally frowned upon to start a sentence with a number encoded by Arabic numerals, e.g. "4 percent of people live in the USA". Is it okay to do this for the second clause ...
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Use of semi-colon in a list with last item having a specific condition
I am dealing with a local ordinance worded in the following way:
Commercial farming and agricultural activities, such as citrus groves (as well as other fruits); forestry; plant nurseries; truck ...
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Do I need to repeat the subject after a semicolon splitting two sentences that have the same subject in formal written English?
Do I need to repeat the subject after a semicolon splitting two sentences that have the same subject in formal written English?
For example:
He talked to the owners, which was understandable; paid ...
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Semicolon for question-answer sentences? [closed]
Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses. Does it make sense to use it in a question-answer type sentence, like the following?
Where is the milk; there is the milk.
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Which punctuation is best for connecting the latter longer clause in this sentence, or is the comma splice okay? [closed]
I am proofreading a colleague's work. And I know that you should use a connective/conjunction to join two clauses together rather than a comma splice, and so, in the past I have made such corrections ...
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Use of comma vs semicolon
Why are the answers for these two different?
Wrong: It rained all day, and thus, the hut collapsed.
Correct: It rained all day, and thus the hut collapsed.
"And" with conjunctive adverbs: ...
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Punctuation marks just before colon or semi-colon [duplicate]
Is it possible to use punctuation marks such as commas, periods, and question marks just before colons or semi-colons?
The error appears when accessing some URLs, e.g.:
List items ...
Can I set ...
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Usage of a semi colon if the previous phrase appears to contradict the next?
I am a new to English grammar and was trying out the question:
During the English neoclassical period (1660–1789), many writers imitated the epic poetry and satires of ancient Greece and Rome. They ...
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Three joined independent clauses [closed]
I'm a bit lost as to how the following sentence should be punctuated:
Life at sea, living on a tiny sailboat, is tough, but the sea provides a lot of free food, and so I don't mind the lack of luxury....
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A semicolon or something else?
In Forrest Gump, Forrest says: "I couldn't tell where heaven stopped, and the earth began; it was so beautiful.”
What is the grammar after 'began'? Does a comma or semi-colon indicate a break ...
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Which one is correct: "..., respectively, ..." or "..., respectively; ..."
I am trying to understand which one is correct:
Calculation of A and B matrices requires solving an equation 1 and an inequality 2, respectively, which are known to be difficult in general.
OR
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Proper punctuation in a sentence with a semicolon
Should this comma be included or omitted?
The resources are rich; the lectures, helpful.
Alternately, is it better to replace the comma with the word "are"? (I think it sounds better ...
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In formal writing such as a reference, can an initial subject defining sentence imply the subject to several sentences thereafter? [closed]
I am writing a personal reference for a family member and trying to list several ways in which they have helped me without the sentence running on. I do not believe a colon would work in this case as ...
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Using semicolons in lists
I am trying to write a business article where I need to use a signal phrase/cite/mention the credibility of the authors. I'm having trouble with a certain sentence, and was hoping to get some feedback ...
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Semicolon, comma, vs colon in list of size two
I have a sentence here.
"The different types of switchgrass fall into two categories: upland and lowland."
Can I replace the colon with a comma? Tonally, it sounds alright, but is it allowed ...
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Semicolon vs em-dash in response thanking someone for help
I want to thank someone for helping me. I am trying to decide which of these is more appropriate:
Thanks for the clarification; that was helpful.
Thanks for the clarification – that was helpful.
...
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Using colon and semi-colon in a list
I saw this sentence structure on this document online: Application for a Social Security Card.
Can you tell me why there is no "period" in this structure?
Where can I learn how to use a ...
user450250
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When I use a name or mention a person/character at the beginning of a sentence before referring to them via a pronoun, do I use a comma or semi-colon?
Here's the sentence example:
And Lucy, she often goes for a run.
And Lucy; she often goes for a run.
Which is more appropriate?
Thank you.
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Semicolons, full-stops and comma-splices [duplicate]
I came across these two sentences whilst editing today, and wondered what your opinions on the correct variations would be:
They're great, I love them.
vs.
They're great; I love them.
vs.
They're ...
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Question about capitalization after a colon, as well as a few others going on in an otherwise-unimportant sentence I wrote [duplicate]
Not exactly a life-or-death situation here, it's just a YouTube comment I'm in the process of typing in a discussion on movies, the MCU, and the MCU's version of Spider-Man. Sometimes, I write a ...
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Can you use two (or more) semicolons with two (or more) conjunctive adverbs?
I am confident that I know how to use semicolons, and I would like to use them more often; but, there is one thing with the semicolon that I cannot find an answer on: Can you use two (or more) ...
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On the use of semi-colons in long lists
I've always had a hard time with semi-colons and, this time, not even my English teacher was sure of what is its correct use in the following situation:
It's about creativity, proving properties of ...
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Can the semicolon be used in this sentence? Or a comma?
.....And the answer came just shortly after its silence; she said "you can take the baby...
I read that semicolon can be used in a sentence where there are 2 or more different phrases but with ...
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Comma, new sentence or semi-colon? Linking a statement with its justification/reason
I need to edit this sentence of the form "[statement about an object], [explanation as to why the statement holds]", but there is no language that links the two clauses, like a "this is ...
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Should I use a semicolon or a comma after a semicolon-separated list?
I have a list of items separated by semicolons, because the items themselves contain commas. If this were a comma-separated list, I would offset it from the rest of the sentence with a comma, but I'm ...
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How to properly use semicolon for a list of sentences in business writing?
I ran into a fraud company and now trying to file a dispute. But unfortunately, it didn't approve. So, right now I'm trying to fight it by starting with the refund policy. And hoping someone can help ...
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Different conjunctions in a series (blank, blank, and blank, but blank) [closed]
The example sentence is just an example meant to highlight my question, not something I've come across in writing. It's a bit rough, and I honestly don't know much about policy/bills/what have you, ...
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How to quote material that ends sections with semicolons
I haven't found an answer to this specific scenario:
"This is an example of the quoted text from the report where this section ends with a semicolon;"
That is also the end of my sentence so ...
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Is the semicolon used appropriately?
I’d like to ask if the semicolon is used properly/appropriately here?
He hadn't gotten to prove Daniel wrong; hadn't gotten to take his revenge for feeding him his first taste of defeat.
I’ve ...
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Proofreading for punctuation [closed]
His movies took the world by storm and set important conversations into motion #1[,] from criticizing domestic violence #2[,] which he had been a victim of #3[,] to advocating for free speech #4[,] a ...
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Is it grammatical to write a complete sentence and link it to a sentence with a dropped subject with a semicolon? Please check the examples. Thanks!
I called to check in; hope all is well.
I have some great news; just wanted you to be the first to hear it. Call me back!
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How to punctuate this sentence with a semicolon?
How can I punctuate the following sentence? The semi-colon usage is nonstandard, since the second clause is dependent, but I'm not sure how else to do this besides an em-dash.
The goal of this ...
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Is it grammatically correct to convey information in this way when translating information from a table into prose? [closed]
All three companies were offered discount in 2020 (Company A, 10%; Company B, 12%; Company C, 10%).
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How to interpret two clauses separated by a semicolon, then followed with a colon
If two clauses separated by a semicolon are then followed with a colon, does the colon apply to only the second clause, after which it appears, or does it apply to both clauses being considered as a ...
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How to punctuate and make concise a sentence that contains a list and then describes each item in the list?
How to punctuate and make concise a sentence that contains a list and then describes each item in the list?
One possible structure of the sentence I would like to punctuate is:
I do not have any ...
user374283
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Do you use a semicolon or colon before the word “that” in a sentence?
I just wanted to ask if a semicolon or colon is appropriate before the word “that” in a sentence.
For example,
I want to tell him that maybe it is the fact that I have been guarded every second of ...
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Is a semicolon or comma more appropriate in this case?
I'm wondering whether a semicolon or comma is more appropriate for the following phrase:
Whether or not it succeeds depends on the third option; namely, how well the program computes the values.
...
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Could the semicolon show a connector applies to multiple independent clauses?
Pray consider the following examples of my proposed punctuation style.
Finally; add a sprinkle of sugar, and put the cake in the oven. [Both of these actions are the final step in this recipe—this ...
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Usage of semi-colon
Consider the following excerpt from a literature: "Getting quick access to a weapon's muzzle for inserting a bullet was easy; the gun was free to move backwards upto two meters."
The above ...
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Comma vs semicolon for "This is not a war, it's a revolution."
I understand that they are both independent clauses. Therefore, a semicolon should theoretically be used:
This is not a war; it's a revolution.
However, I think it reads a little weird. And seeing ...
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Should a semicolon be used before a list?
I'm writing a college admissions essay and I have a question regarding the usage of a semicolon.
The sentence is:
I believe I will thrive in upper division coursework due to traits my family ...
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Semicolon before “therefore” to join two clauses?
I'm really struggling with semicolons and I know I need an independent clause after the semicolon but I feel like that makes the whole sentence a little jerky.
Would this be correct?
My prior ...
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Would a semicolon be appropriate here?
I'm talking about a book here and here's the sentence after
The significance of constantly challenging the perceived wisdom is emphasised; urging us to pry into the smallest details no matter how ...
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Don't worry, that's where I come in vs Don't worry; that's where I come in
I know the second one is correct: Don't worry; that's where I come in. As they are both independent clauses.
My question is: would it be incorrect to say: "Don't worry, that's where I come in&...
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Should I use a comma or semicolon to separate the items in this sentence [duplicate]
We have planned to modify the product mobile phone and address the following sustainable development goals: Responsible Consumption and Production, Good Health and Well Being.
or
We have planned to ...
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Comma or semicolon for genuine "thank you" at the end of a sentence?
I have the two following cases:
It does help, thank you.
It does help; thank you.
It seems to me that the semicolon more appropriately conveys the genuine "thank you". Using the comma ...
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Complex lists with the use of semicolon and "etc."
I know a thing or two about using "etc." and semicolon, but not when they come together.
Help me to look at the example if you may:
ToolsPhotoshop, Illustrator, After Effects; Wacom Tablet, ...
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Use of Semicolon in this sentence and way of spliting it [duplicate]
Want to know the specific meaning of the two semicolons in the sentence below.
And is there any good idea to split this sentence using appropriate transitions?
The fundamental insight into the ...
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