Sep 9, 2025 · Semicolons (;) separate independent clauses that are related in meaning, and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. For example, this …

Dec 5, 2024 · Learn when to use a semicolon to connect two related independent clauses in one sentence or to separate items in a complex list.

May 24, 2024 · Learn how and when to use semicolons (;), colons (:), commas (,), and dashes (–) to make your writing more effective.

Take a look at the rules of semicolon use and semicolon examples to begin using them in your own writing. Semicolons [;] are used to separate closely related independent clauses. It can also be used …

You can use a colon to draw attention to many things in your writing. The categories listed below often overlap, so don’t worry too much about whether your intended use of the colon fits one category …

Most commonly, the semicolon is used between two independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) when a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) is …

Adapted from: The Harbrace College Handbook (12th ed.) by Horner/Webb/Miller and A Writer’s Reference (4th ed.) by Diana Hacker. When and how to use commas: Commas come before …

Jan 9, 2025 · Set off an unessential part of a sentence (e.g., a nonrestrictive clause or an introductory phrase). For example: “In the morning, I will go to the gym.”

Using semicolons in this type of list is really a matter of personal style; you can choose not to use them, or any other punctuation (some use commas or periods) at the end of each item as the bullets …

Aug 24, 2022 · There’s one main semicolon rule to remember: When used in a sentence, each side of the semicolon must include an independent clause (a full sentence). Otherwise, the sentence isn’t …