What is a semicolon used for?

Answer 1

a pause in the writer's thoughts

I have worked at many firms; some other places, too; and my favorite kind of organization ....

Answer 2

The semicolon can also be used to separate lists. For example: Christmas shopping list: Mom: fuzzy socks, popcorn popper; Dad: ice maker, peanut M&M's; sister: lava lamp, gift card; son: dinosaur robot, sweet tarts.

Certain transition words commonly have semicolons, such as 'however." Example: I went to the store today; however, I forgot to buy milk.

Answer 3

A semicolon is used to punctuate two complete sentences. It functions almost like a period but does not completely "stop" the reader like a period does. Here's an example:

I love chocolate. Milk chocolate is my favorite.

I love chocolate; milk chocolate is my favorite.

The first example uses two sentences. Written as two sentences, they are a bit choppy. The second sentence, however, uses a semicolon to separate the two sentences. The semicolon serves to place a bit more emphasis on the second sentence about milk chocolate. Notice that the "m" in "milk" in not capitalized after the use of the semicolon. This is a common mistake that students make.

So when should you use a semicolon? Use it in academic writing when you want to vary your sentence structure and when you want to place slightly more emphasis on the second sentence. Both sentences on either side of the semicolon should be related; additionally, the second sentence should build or expand upon the idea in the first sentence.

Keep writing!

Answer 4

A semicolon is used to separate a sentence containing two discrete but connected thoughts into two discrete clauses, both of which have all the elements of a sentence. A semicolon is a stronger separation than a comma, and a weaker separation than a period. They are rarely used. Prefer periods and your writing will be stronger.