Sep 9, 2025 · The semicolon does jobs that are done by other punctuation marks, but puts its own spin on the task. This usage guide will show you how with several examples.

The semicolon divides the items on the list from each other, to avoid having a jumble of commas with differing functions which could cause confusion for the reader. This is sometimes called …

It's no accident that a semicolon (;) is a period atop a comma. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop.

Dec 5, 2024 · A semicolon is a punctuation mark that links closely related ideas within a sentence or separates items in a complex list. It functions as a pause that is longer than a comma but …

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, …

Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent …

What’s the Difference Between a Colon and a Semicolon? Whereas a semicolon works to conjoin two independent clauses and help avoid confusion when too many commas are present in a …

Jan 9, 2025 · A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that is used to connect two closely related independent clauses (i.e., full sentences). Semicolons are used instead of a comma and …

Dec 22, 2025 · A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that combines the functions of both a period and a comma. It helps link closely related ideas or separates elements within complex sentences.

A semicolon joins two independent thoughts that are closely related. A semicolon is only used to join sentences when the independent clauses are of equal importance, length, and weight.