How To Use Commas And Semicolons
You need a comma plus something to avoid a comma splice.
How to use commas and semicolons. 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. Check that your commas are in the correct place within a sentence. They can also be used when listing complex ideas or phrases that use commas within them. A comma or a semicolon. But others for different reasons choose to write with a pen or pencil.
If semicolons can link independent clauses that would otherwise have a period or a conjunction between them that means they can demonstrate contrast too. Using colons and semicolons. Comma use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions. 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. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically.
Commas are used for creating a list. To help separate items in a list when some of those items already contain commas. The choice is yours. Some people write with a word processor tablet or a even a phone. Our rule 1 of spacing with punctuation states with a computer use only one space following periods commas semicolons colons exclamation points question marks and quotation marks.
Let s look at an example as that is the easiest way to understand this use of the semicolon. A semicolon is used to separate two ideas two independent clauses that are closely related. Essentially a semicolon is like a comma with more meaning or a colon with more flexibility. Also use the semicolon when you have commas for smaller separations and you need the semicolon to show a bigger separation. Harry set out to find a dessert that would demonstrate his deep appreciation of mabel s meal.
I have painted the house. Avoid using a comma when a semicolon is needed. Using colons and semicolons. Using colons and semicolons. Using semicolons and commas.