Semicolons
Semicolons (;) — Replace full stops
When you have two or more clauses together which are similar in meaning but grammatically independent, semicolons can be used instead of a full stop if desired.
However, the usage of semicolons in English is subjective to the writer, and its usage can add more flow to the sentence.
- I really adore your idea; let’s hope it works out.
- They agree with me; we need to buy a new rack.
- Some people are early risers; others are late risers.
Semi-colons (;) – Lists
Like the colon, the semicolon can be used to make lists. When you have many items and the sentence is complicated, it is best to order the items using semicolons (;) to give all sentences equal importance and can illustrate a stronger message than just commas.
- I’ll coach the team on the premises that; I get to use the equipment; my day finished at 19:00 and no later; and I’m given more responsibilities.
- He doesn’t deserve to work here; he doesn’t have any experience; there are already many other applicants; he doesn’t respect the agreement.
See also
Punctuation:
Auxiliary verbs:
Modal auxiliary verbs:
Advanced grammar:
- Articles (a/an, the, zero article)
- Pronouns: subject, object and possessive
- Question tags
- English conditionals
- Interrogatives in English
- Determiners
- Phrasal verbs
- Prefixes and suffixes
- Reported and direct speech
- Numbers: cardinal, ordinal, and Roman numbers
- The verb: “get”
- ‘Get’ vs. ‘go’ and ‘got’ vs. ‘gotten’
- Copular verbs
- Cleft sentences
- Subjunctive in English
- Vulgar and taboo in English
- Ellipsis
- Split infinitive
- Emphasis with inversion
- Gerunds in English
- To + infinitive
- Bare infinitive
- British and American spelling