What is a semicolon for? How do I use one?

Question

Sometimes a punctuation mark can seem very confusing, and it can be difficult trying to figure out where exactly they should go! Read below to get an example of how to use the elusive semicolon, and to see an easy explanation of how it works!

Answer 1

An easy rule to keep in mind for the tricky semicolon is that it marks a spot where you could have stopped, but chose to continue anyway! Let's take a look at a semicolon in action:

Epcot has to be my favorite place in the world; there are so many different foods to try there, I can just snack all day!

See? I could have stopped at "Epcot has to be my favorite place in the world." That by itself is a complete sentence, BUT, by using the semicolon I chose to continue and add an extra piece! The important part is to see that both pieces can "stand" on their own, meaning that both halves around the semicolon make sense on their own as full sentences.

Remember, when it comes to semicolons, you could have stopped but you chose to continue!

Answer 2

Hello,

You can think of a semicolon as being a combination of a comma and a period--both visually (;) and in terms of the semicolon's significance as a punctuation mark being that it groups clusters of shorter-length complete, whole sentences together, as well as clauses, that serve as extensions of one another literarily contextually-grammatically in terms of them sharing one main idea. Many people confuse semicolons with commas because commas are more commonly used and known grammatically-literarily accordingly. But excessive usage of commas in writing are what frequently lead to sentences being unintentionally grammatically incorrect on paper. Therefore, semicolons come into play here for the reasons described above.

Answer 3

A semi-colon can replace a period. However, if using a semi-colon, be sure the two sentences are related to one another.

For example: My car is red; lobster is delicious.

This is not correct use of semi-colon. Two completely unrelated sentences.

For example: My care is red; it goes so fast!

Or: Lobster is delicious; itʻs my favorite food.

These are both correct.