Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences Show Welcome to the Purdue OWLThis page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice. Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Summary: This resource offers a number of pages about comma use. For more information on semicolons, please see the "90-Second Semicolon" vidcast series on the Purdue OWL YouTube Channel. A group of words containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence or an independent clause. Sometimes, an independent clause stands alone as a sentence, and sometimes two independent clauses are linked together into what is called a compound sentence. Depending on the circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence: a comma or a semicolon. The choice is yours. Comma (,)Use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. For example: I am going home, and I intend to stay there. It rained heavily during the afternoon, but we managed to have our picnic anyway. They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark, so they decided to camp for the night. Semicolon (;)Use a semicolon when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words. For example: I am going home; I intend to stay there. It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway. They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night. You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc. For example: I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there. It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway. They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night. For more information about compound sentence patterns, see the Purdue OWL handout on Sentence Punctuation Patterns. Punctuation within sentences can be tricky; however, if you know just a few of the following rules, you will be well on your way to becoming a polished writer and proofreader. Rule: Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them. Rule: If the clauses
are both short, you may omit the comma. Rule: If you have only one clause (one subject and verb pair), you won’t usually need a comma in front of the conjunction. Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two
independent clauses connected without a conjunction. Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations. Rule:
A colon is used to introduce a second sentence that clarifies the first sentence. Rule: Use a colon to introduce a list when no introductory words like namely, for instance, i.e., e.g. precede the list. Advertisement If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page. When to use a semicolon instead of a comma in a list?Semicolons are not only used to link main clauses. They can also be used in complicated lists. Elements in a list are usually separated by commas. But if the elements themselves contain commas, semicolons are used to separate them.
When should a semicolon be used examples?When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently. I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.
How do you know when to use a comma colon or semicolon?Semicolons. Use a semicolon to separate two related independent clauses (clauses that can stand as sentences on their own) that are not linked by a comma and coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, yet, and so). ... . Colons. Use a colon to introduce a list. ... . Dashes. A dash is typed as two hyphens.. What are 3 ways to use a semicolon?3 Ways to Use a Semicolon. Use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses. An independent clause is a sentence that communicates a complete thought and makes sense on its own. ... . Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. ... . Use semicolons to separate items in a list.. |
When is a semicolon used instead of a comma
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