I can be a little annoyingly pedantic when it comes to grammar and usage. Uses of the semicolon the semicolon is used to separate lengthy coordinate clauses where the coordinate conjunction is omitted. But i must say i have a great respect for the semicolon. Make a list of the commas used and see if you can explain why they are there, according to the rules presented. Semicolons are sometimes used instead of full stops. Many writers are confused about when to use a semicolon and when to use a colon. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. However, the pdf can be printed if preferred for ease. Using semicolons semicolons are used for making lists clearer and for controlling the flow of text from one sentence to the next.
Mignot fogarty, better known as grammar girl provides the public with an accessible reference on punctuation. Get a memory trick and a helpful chart to remember how to use semicolons. When should one use the comma versus the semicolon, and vice. Abraham lincoln features twelve common punctuation marks with a quick usage tip. Do use a comma before while when you mean whereas or although.
When the phrases are short, a comma is preferable to the semicolon. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically. In the temporal sense, while describes something that is happening at the same time as something else. Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, im a vegetarian. The use of these punctuation marks often confuses students. If you already remember the meanings of these words, feel free to skim this. Colons and semicolons are a great way to break up a sentence and communicate that sentence with more power than a comma. The same is true of periods, question marks, commas, and exclamation points. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real. Colon and semicolons add to your blog articles readability. I love that the colon and semicolon have been brought into question for a few reasons. Jan 01, 2008 now you can add the first printed book from mignon fogarty a. The three items, a book, a pen, and paper were on the table. Please note that there are a few other ways of using semicolons i.
Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure. Grammar girls quick and dirty tips for comma splices. One of my favorite old grammar books, titled punctuate it right, has a wonderful name for the colon. She tattooed a semicolon on her body with a simple concept. Our rule 1 of spacing with punctuation states, with a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation marks. Using semicolons in lists semicolons can be used in lists to outrank any commas which appear in list items. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. The oxford university style guide aims to provide a guide to writing and. Grammar project commas, semicolons, colons youtube. Grammar books disagree on whether or not the comma is necessary after the final item in a list.
Grammar girls quick and dirty tips for better writing by mignon. My life would be less frustrating if everyone read this book. Given its function, it should have been called a semifull stop or a semiperiod. Semicolons join independent clauses and items in a series.
Most commonly, they separate two main clauses that are closely related to each other but could stand on their own as sent. If the series is long and complex or any one element has a comma within it, separate each element of the series with a semicolon. Sep 21, 2015 this chart from grammar girl presents the ultimate writing guide for students gives examples of the 15 most common ways to use a comma. When while is used as a conjunction, it has two meanings. Because the book is acting upon sally, we are using the word as an action so we say affect. This useful 48page ebook addresses the most commonly asked questions. Subject the person or thing that is being discussed or described. When to use the semicolon english practice learn and. Nov 28, 2017 one of our readers wrote that her grammar issues are the colon. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif. How to use semicolons grammar girl quick and dirty tips. Dont use a comma before which when its part of a prepositional phrase, such as in which.
Interestingly, the dispute was resolved through the use of semicolons and cash. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. Grammar girl explains how to use them well and improve your. A semicolon is used when an author could have ended a sentence, but chose not to. To the delight of word nerds everywhere, grammar girl s quick and dirty tips for better writing came out yesterday. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. They are used to separate two clauses that are grammatically independent but have related meanings. In this example we use the coordinating conjunction and but have 1 subject and 2 verbs. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Semicolons separate clauses semicolons separate things. Commas can be tricky, but they dont have to trip you up. Dont use a comma before which when it introduces an indirect question. Today, i would like to demystify the colon and semicolon just like we demystified that dirty word grammar. Heres a fun, free, and awesome online activity about commas and semicolons.
Another way to look at it is to consider the simplest form of the sentence, which could be pam reid, a registered nurse, attended the meeting. Both the colon and the semicolon are made on a keyboard. For instance, older, more traditional grammar books suggest the following sentence is correct. Placement with periods, commas, question marks, and semicolons. The semicolon is sometimes described as stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. Colon versus semicolon colons and semicolons have different functions. Although the colon and the semicolon look similar, they each have very different uses in the english language. We are glad to hear that you find the blue book of grammar and punctuation helpful. Depending on the circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence.
Grammar girls quick and dirty tips for better writing by. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences two weeks ago we revisited the case of the lawsuit brought by a group of maine dairy truck drivers that centered on the proper use of commas. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. A great kids book that can make learning grammar rules fun wow i never thought i would put those words together in a sentence. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to reallife, entertaining examples. The semicolon is one of the least common punctuation marks, but it is a useful one. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Most commonly, the semicolon is used between two independent clauses i.
In this lesson, we will take a look at the colon vs semicolon. Use a semicolon along with a conjunctive adverb and a comma to clarify the relationship between two closely related complete sentences. Dont use a comma before while when you mean during the same time. Yes, it is a general rule that there should not be a space before a semicolon or colon. Commas punctuation rules the blue book of grammar and. The semicolon looks like a period on top of a comma. This chart from grammar girl presents the ultimate writing guide for students gives examples of the 15 most common ways to use a comma. Rule 1 to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
Nov 22, 2015 the semicolon in 20 a girl named amy bleuel lost her father to suicide. A colon is like a literary equals sign as opposed to mathematical one, and a semicolon is like a half full stop or half period. Oct 01, 2006 in the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. Originally, typewriters had monospaced fonts skinny letters and fat letters took up the same amount of space. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. In certain uses, this is a reasonably accurate definition. Im not concerned about dangling prepositions or split infinitives, but my god, it gets to me when people misuse affect and effect, comma splice, or think that e. All definitions are courtesy of merriamwebster dictionary. My girlfriend eats healthy foods such as oranges, yogurt, vegetables, and rice. April 2011 the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Conjunctive adverbs include however, therefore, in addition, moreover, subsequently, consequently, instead, and additionally.
The teacher corrected the papers and entered the grades in the grade book. In french, a semicolon pointvirgule, literally dot comma is a separation between two full sentences, used where either a colon or a comma would not be appropriate. By the end of this video, you will know the basics about using a semicolon. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Learn when to use colons, when to use semicolons, when to use commas, and how the three are.
Test your knowledge of comma usage by reading back through this article. Mary promised that she would be a good girl, that she would not bite her brother, and. Previously published as part of grammar girls quick and dirty tips for better writing. Comma, use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions. Two weeks ago, we talked about comma spliceserrors that happen when you join two main clauses with just a comma but you can make the same kind of mistake if you arent careful when joining two main clauses with conjunctive adverbs such as however, therefore, furthermore, and nevertheless. Semicolons can help create variety, emphasize relatedness and separate items in a list. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Colons introduce a list, a quote or formal statement, a restatement, or an explanation. Grammar girls quick and dirty tips for better writing book. Use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop.
Apr 24, 2014 with educated people, i suppose, punctuation is a matter of rule. There are wonderfully funny drawings on each page to emphasize exactly what each sentence means so readers can grasp exactly what is wrong. Comma difference and usage in all languages, not just english, writers use punctuation marks or punctuation points as they are also called to indicate things like pauses and full stops, to convey or demonstrate emotion, the ask questions or declare statements, and even to separate items in a list. When you use colons and semicolons, you come off as a grammar genius. Following are two instances of the need for an appositive comma with one or more nouns. Remember, a main clause, also known as an independent clause, is just something. Thus, you only need semicolons to separate the units of the series from each other and not from the rest of the sentence. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. Written with the wit, warmth, and accessibility that the podcasts are known for, grammar girl s quick and dirty tips for better writing covers the grammar rules and wordchoice guidelines that can confound even the best writers. See more ideas about grammar and punctuation, grammar, teaching grammar. The main rule for these punctuation marks is to use them sparingly. The phrase following a semicolon has to be an independent clause, which is related to the previous one but not explaining it, contrary to a sentence introduced by a colon. Sep 22, 20 by the end of this video, you will know the basics about using a semicolon.
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