Semicolons

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related ideas or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

Example of using a semicolon in a sentence.

Back

I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

Front

What is the difference between a semicolon and a comma?

Back

A semicolon connects two independent clauses, while a comma is used to separate items in a list or to join clauses with a conjunction.

Front

Can a semicolon be used before conjunctions?

Back

No, semicolons are not used before conjunctions like 'and' or 'but'; they are used to connect independent clauses without conjunctions.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

How do you punctuate a list with semicolons?

Back

Use semicolons to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

Front

Example of a list using semicolons.

Back

We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.

Front

What is a common mistake when using semicolons?

Back

A common mistake is using a semicolon to connect an independent clause with a dependent clause.

Front

Can semicolons be used in complex sentences?

Back

Yes, semicolons can be used in complex sentences to separate independent clauses.