How do you properly use a semicolon?
Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
How do you use a colon and semicolon?
Semicolons are used between two independent clauses (a group of words that can stand alone and make sense as a complete sentence), while colons follow a complete sentence to set off an example or a list.
How do I know when to use a semicolon?
Rules for Using SemicolonsA semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. ... Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.More items...
How do I correctly use a?
To correctly use “A” and “An,” use “A” before words that begin with consonant sounds and “An” before words that begin with vowel sounds. For example, say "a pet" or "a green onion," since these word begin with consonants.
What is a colon example?
Typically, a colon is used when the second sentence clarifies or explains the first sentence. For example, Me and my sisters are really excited: We're going to Disneyland!
Should I use a colon or semicolon?
The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.
When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?
The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc.
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
Semicolons separate items in a complex list. For example, The Council is comprised of ten members: three from Sydney, Australia; four from Auckland, New Zealand; two from Suva, Fiji; and one from Honiara, Solomon Islands. Semicolons join two closely related independent clauses.
What the semicolon means?
A semicolon separates two independent but related clauses; it may also replace the comma to separate items in a complicated list.
What is use of a and an?
A and an are two different forms of the same word: the indefinite article a that is used before noun phrases. Use a when the noun or adjective that comes next begins with a consonant sound. Use an when the noun or adjective that comes next begins with a vowel sound.
How do you use in a sentence?
Use "the" with any noun when the meaning is specific; for example, when the noun names the only one (or one) of a kind. Adam was the first man (the only 'first man'). New York is the largest city in the United States (only one city can be 'the largest'). We live on the earth (the only Earth we know).
Where do you put a colon?
A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.
How do you use dashes in a sentence?
Use dashes to mark the beginning and end of a series, which might otherwise get confused, with the rest of the sentence: Example: The three female characters—the wife, the nun, and the jockey—are the incarnation of excellence. Dashes are also used to mark the interruption of a sentence in dialogue: Example: “Help!
How do you use a hyphen in a sentence?
Generally, you need the hyphen only if the two or more words are functioning together as an adjective before the noun they're describing. If the noun comes first, leave the hyphen out. This wall is load bearing. It's impossible to eat this cake because it is rock hard.
What is the semicolon symbol?
The semicolon or semi-colon ; is a symbol commonly used as orthographic punctuation....Semicolon.;SemicolonIn UnicodeU+003B ; SEMICOLON ( ;)؛ ፤ ꛶ Arabic semi colon Ethiopic semicolon Bamum semicolon
How do you use a colon in a sentence?
5:3415:50When to Use a Colon in a Sentence | English Writing and ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can also use colons to separate independent clauses a colon can be used to separate twoMoreWe can also use colons to separate independent clauses a colon can be used to separate two independent clauses when the second clause is directly related to the first clause. And when the emphasis is
When is the word "an" prefix?
When the first character of the word is consonant and is silent, then it takes the second character as the the initial sound and when such sound is initiated from a vowel then that word will be having the word “an” as the prefix.
What is the case when words begin with a vowel but not using "an" before it?
lets see in detail; 1. Words begin with a vowel but not using "an" before it. Case 1: Few of English vowels take two sounds. For example the English letter ‘u’ sometimes take the sound "ah" and sometimes "yoo". Case 2: In case of the word one, the first letter is taking the sound of "wa" which is not a vowel sound.
Is "an" before a vowel?
The general rule is that, “an” is to be used before a vowel and “a” is to be. Used before a consonant. This rule is applicable in most of the situations. But in some cases the word “an” is used before consonant and at the same time the word “a” is used before a vowel. Because, the actual usage of "a" and "an" in English is not related to whether,
Does "an" come before a vowel?
Because, the actual usage of "a" and "an" in English is not related to whether, it has to come before a vowel or a consonant. It is totally depends on the sound of the first letter, i.e., whether it is taking the sound of a vowel or a consonant. lets see in detail;
When to use definite article?
The definite article is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is specific or particular. The signals that the noun is definite, that it refers to a particular member of a group. For example:
What is an a + noun?
an + nouns starting with silent "h": an hour. a + nouns starting with a pronounced "h": a horse. In some cases where "h" is pronounced, such as "historical," you can use an. However, a is more commonly used and preferred. A historical event is worth recording. Remember that these rules also apply when you use acronyms:
What is a singular noun beginning with a consonant?
Remember, using a or an depends on the sound that begins the next word. So... a + singular noun beginning with a consonant: a boy; a car; a bike; a zoo; a dog. an + singular noun beginning with a vowel: an elephant; an egg; an apple; an idiot; an orphan.
What are some nouns that don't take an article?
Some common types of nouns that don't take an article are: Names of languages and nationalities: Chinese, English, Spanish, Russian (unless you are referring to the population of the nation: " The Spanish are known for their warm hospitality.") Names of sports: volleyball, hockey, baseball.
What is the difference between "a/an" and "a/an"?
English has two articles: the and a/an. The is used to refer to specific or particular nouns; a/an is used to modify non-specific or non-particular nouns . We call the the definite article and a/an the indefinite article. the = definite article. a/an = indefinite article .
What is the mark of introduction?
It's typically a mark of introduction, used to let the reader know that what follows the colon has been pointed to or described by what precedes the colon. (This is quite a different function from that of the semicolon, which is mostly used to separate two independent sentence parts that are related in meaning.)
Why do we use colons in prose?
In the running prose that we encounter in books, magazines, articles, and the like, colons are mostly used to introduce a clause or a phrase that explains, illustrates, amplifies, or restates what precedes them. (Reminder: clauses and phrases are both groups of words within a sentence; the basic difference between them is ...
What is a colon in writing?
Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. For example, this summary could be written as "Colons can introduce many things: descriptors, quotes, lists, and more.".
When to use a semicolon?
A semicolon is used in place of a comma to separate phrases or items in a list or series when the phrases or items themselves contain commas or are especially long:
Does a comma replace a semicolon?
In short sentences, a comma often replaces the semicolon: Mabel's cooking prowess, honed through years of complex feasts, was formidable; the interruption of its application ill-advised. The scent of the baking bread was sublime, the perfume of the goulash intoxicating.
Does Harry give Mabel an apron?
Note that, unlike commas and periods, a semicolon that punctuates the larger sentence is placed outside quotation marks and parentheses: For her birthday, Harry gave Mabel an apron that said "Number 1 Cook"; Mabel cordially accepted it but has yet to wear it.
When to use a comma?
Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives describing a noun. Sometimes consecutive adjectives are used to describe a single subject with multiple qualities. This use of commas is similar to using them to separate items in a series, with one exception: it is incorrect to place a comma after the final adjective.
What is the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence?
Every sentence contains at least one punctuation mark -- the one at its end. The most common of these sentence-ending punctuation marks is the period (".", also called a "full stop"). This simple dot is used to mark the end of a sentence that is declarative. Most sentences are declarative.
How many references are there in WikiHow?
To create this article, 182 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 26 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
When to use a comma in a sentence?
Use a comma to indicate a break or pause within a sentence. The comma (",") is a very versatile punctuation mark. There are dozens of situations that might require the use of a comma. One frequent case is the appositive -- a break within a sentence that supplements and adds information to the subject.
Is WikiHow a copyright?
All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not</b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.
Do you capitalize titles?
Titles can also be honorifics (Her Majesty, Mr. President, etc.). Titles and proper nouns consisting of more than one word should have every word capitalized, except for small words and articles like "the," "an," "and," etc. The first word of a title should always be capitalized (with the above "brand name" exception).
Do you capitalize the first letter of a sentence?
Always start a sentence with a capital letter. Unless you're an avant-garde poet or you're starting a sentence with a brand name like "wikiHow" or "iPod," you will need to capitalize the first letter of every sentence. Here is an example of proper capitalization at the beginning of a sentence:
Why do people use commas?
Sometimes people seem frustrated because they have to remember to use commas with coordinating conjunctions and semicolons with conjunctive adverbs most of the time. If you can't keep the difference straight in your head, it can help to remember that commas are smaller than semicolons and go with coordinating conjunctions, which are almost always short two- or three-letter words—small words, small punctuation mark.
When to use semicolons?
Finally, you use a semicolon when you use a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase to join two main clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are words such as “ however ,” “therefore,” and “indeed.”. Here's an example of how you could use them with semicolons:
Why do you use a semicolon instead of a period?
Semicolons Create Variety. One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure; for example, you might use a semicolon if you thought you had too many short, choppy sentences in a row.
Why do we use semicolons in sentences?
Another reason to use a semicolon is to draw attention to how related your two clauses are. The semicolon in our example sentence highlights that the reason you can't go out tonight is that you have a big test tomorrow. You wouldn't write, “English is my fifth period class; I can't go out tonight,” because those two main clauses have nothing to do with each other. I can't think of a single reason why English being fifth period would mean you can't go out tonight.
When to use a semicolon with a conjunction?
First, if you have a long sentence with multiple independent clauses, and some of those clauses contain internal punctuation such as a comma, you can use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction to make the separation between clauses more clear. Here's an example:
Do you put a semicolon before "and"?
Because each half of that long sentence has a conditional clause that must contain a comma, it's OK to use a semicolon before the “and” that separates those two parts. You could make them two sentences, but you don't have to; and because they are so closely related, it makes a lot of sense to have them be together separated by the semicolon. The “and” after the semicolon is actually optional in this case, but I think it adds to the flow of the sentence.
Can you use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction?
Semicolons and Coordinating Conjunctions. You should never use a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction such as “and,” “so,” and “but” to join two main clauses; that's the job of a comma. If you want to use a coordinating conjunction, you'd write it like this:
When to use semicolon?
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
How to use semicolons in a sentence?
Rules for Using Semicolons 1 A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.#N#Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil. 2 Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.#N#However they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods. 3 Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.#N#There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat. 4 Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.#N#Some people write with a word processor, tablet, or even a phone; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil.
Do you use a semicolon between items in a list?
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
When to use "the" in English?
When to Use “The” in English. “The” is typically used in accompaniment with any noun with a specific meaning, or a noun referring to a single thing. The important distinction is between countable and non-countable nouns: if the noun is something that can’t be counted or something singular, then use “the”, if it can be counted, then us “a” or “an”.
When to use definite article?
The definite article is used when we speak about something specific or something that has already been mentioned in the conversation. Many languages in the world use articles, but just as many languages don’t have them at all. So there is no reason to panic if your native language does not use articles.
What is an uncountable noun?
Uncountable nouns are nouns that we cannot count. A way to identify these nouns, in most cases, is that they do not add –s in the plural form. But remember that for every rule there are many exceptions. If you are speaking about any uncountable noun in general, do not use the article.
What is an article in a name?
With surnames. An article is a word that modifies a noun. In English, there are two different types of articles: the definite article (the) and the indefinite article (a/an). In accord with the designations, the indefinite article is used when we speak about something for the first time, or something non-specific.
When to write compass directions?
Compass directions are written with capital letters when they designate definite regions (the North, the South, the East, the West), but not when they indicate direction or general location. If the compass direction follows a preposition or if it designates a definite region, use the definite article the.
When speaking about members of the same family collectively, the article the is used before the surname.?
In this way, you designate a group of people –a family – with one word. Remember, the surname must be in the plural form.
Do you use an article when talking about islands?
We usually do not use an article when speaking about islands, but if the name is made up of different parts, then use the definite article. For example, Africa, Europe, Bermuda, Tasmania, BUT the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas. She lived in America. They live in England. My friend is from the Czech Republic.