Semicolons before conjunctions the quick answer when a conjunction words like and, but and or is used to merge two independent clauses into one sentence, it is possible to use a semicolon before the conjunction to outrank any commas in the clause. To distinguish between the comma and the semicolon is an achievement, a real test of understanding punctuation. Misplaced, omitted, sprinkled like confetti on the page, usurped by punctuation marks like the semicolon and colonif commas could talk, these would be their complaints. When i submit something to for example, a newspaper, i do strive for perfection so that the editor does not think i do not know, what i believe they would consider simple grammar.
Grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. There are a few cases in which leaving out the comma can become confusing. Thus the reader is involved in the development of an ideaa clever, subliminal way of engaging the. With over 200,000 copies sold, this is one of the most highly trusted english language resources available. Semicolon goes outside this article is about semicolon goes outside enjoy your reading. Like the comma, a semicolon and colon both give pause, but the semicolon is the choice for separating two complete thoughts when you dont want to use a conjunction. When the quoted matter ends with a semicolon, the semicolon is dropped. Rule 4 for colons says that if the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence, then a colon is used. These websites explain everything you need to know.
It is used to join two closelyrelated sentences, creating a pause where a writer doesnt want the fullstop of a period. Learn how to tell the difference between the semicolon and its grammatical cousin, the colon. All three marks of punctuation have the same function. However, this is a very particular situation, so youll want to pay close attention. Among such rare grammar books is the one written by jane straus, named as the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Guidelines for using semicolons, colons, and dashes. They also emphasize cause and effect relationships. But i do wonder if this follows the idea that a semicolon can take the place of a comma if a comma has already been used in the sentence.
Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to reallife, entertaining examples. Keep these three things in mind when you use a semicolon. The semicolon should be placed outside quotation marks. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. The semicolon is used for more things than just winking in text. A revised and updated new edition of the bestselling workbook and grammar guide the blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. Today, i would like to demystify the colon and semicolon just like we demystified that dirty word grammar.
Some joker once observed that the semicolon is a comma that has gone to college. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. One of the main uses of a semicolon is to separate two independent clauses. May be used to practice, reinforce, or teach grammar and. Commas quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and punctuation. May be used to practice, reinforce, or teach grammar and punctuation skills. We visited erie, pennsylvania, buffalo, new york, and toronto, ontario. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. All it takes is the blue book of grammar and punctuation. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of grammar, punctuation, and usage.
Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. When too many commas are used in one sentence, the sentence becomes confusing. Sep 29, 2009 as you can see from rule 2 of this blog and from rule 2 from our chapter on semicolons, the proper use of a semicolon with a list is only when you are using introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i. Its main function is to connect two independent clauses that are closely related. This would be good for students who need a little cheat sheet. Because a semicolon is grammatically identical to a period, and you shouldnt start a sentence with and or.
The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Richard nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and english at georgia southern university and the author of several universitylevel grammar and composition textbooks. Review the blue book of grammar and punctuation young. The semicolon allows the writer to imply a relationship between nicely balanced ideas without actually stating that relationship. Punctuation marks are tools that have set functions. This handy workbook is ideal for teachers, students in middle school through college, esl students, homeschoolers, and professionals.
Semicolons and colons quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. We only have a limited time to address this issues in class. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a combination reference book and workbook. When choosing to punctuate a compound sentence one with two independent clauses, semicolon use is another option. Chapter 3 semicolon this article is about chapter 3 semicolon enjoy your reading. So right after telling you that semicolons shouldnt be used like commas, we should discuss one situation where the semicolon does function more like a comma. It has everything on one sheet for quick reference. I created this handy reference sheet of grammar terms and examples. You should use semicolons when you are separating items in a list that contain commas. Commas quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation.
Each of these tools acts as a speed bump in writing. If you think a semicolon helps you digest food, its time for you to watch this brainpop movie. The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning. At one time these punctuation marks were known as semiperiods. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences.
The conference has people who have come from moscow, idaho, springfield, california, alamo, tennessee, and other places as well. Comma or semicolon between independent clauses that have internal commas and that are joined by a coordinating conjunction. This post is all about colons and semicolons punctuation is the name for the marks we use in writing. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. As a matter of style, you should try to avoid using too many sentences consisting of two independent clauses joined by a semicolon. It is a very strong mark of punctuation, and can do all by itself what normally requires a comma plus a coordinating conjunction to accomplish. Using a semicolon like a comma can definitely create some trouble. A semicolon helps to break up the clauses and avoid confusion for the reader. This worksheet covers some of the most common uses of colons and semicolons. It may be substituted for a period between two grammatically complete sentences that are closely connected in sense.
When a sentence contains multiple commas in the first clause, it is appropriate to use a semicolon before a conjunction to join two clauses. Discover how semicolons can be used instead of words like. Aug 31, 2015 semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key. The basic rules that follow may clarify some of the confusion and help writers sidestep common misapplications. Im wondering whether to use a colon, semicolon or comma in the following sentence. Punctuation marks are tools that have set function. The blue book of grammar and punctuation a short list of rules. Maybe that explains why so many writers try to avoid the mark. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. T he s em i col on recognize a semicolon when you see one. Use a semicolon between two main clauses with conjunctions e. After the comma, the semicolon is the least abrupt.
Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. Note that with only commas, that sentence is hopeless. Jan 01, 1997 the blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. Leo tolstoy, anna karenina the above quote is one of the great opening lines to any novel. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif. I suppose i could change it, but i rather like the original way i. The mark does have its uses, however, and when you do join two independent clauses without a conjunction, you must use the semicolon or a. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. I love that the colon and semicolon have been brought into question for a few reasons.
Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Colons and semicolons as linking punctuation part i one of the important functions of the colon. Semicolons and semicolon usage luther rice college. As you can see from rule 2 of this blog and from rule 2 from our chapter on semicolons, the proper use of a semicolon with a list is only when you are using introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i. The two parts of the sentence separated by the semicolon must be closely related.
The first appropriate use of the semicolon is to connect two related sentences. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas. No semicolon before and or but the critical reader. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how the emphasis is distributed. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. A semicolon is used to designate a pause in a sentence. It also prevents confusion in sentences especially lists with lots of commas. If i had to use the exact words that you used, i would punctuate the sentence exactly as you have. According to rule 1 for semicolons, use a semicolon to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.
Should a semicolon precede an adverb that does not separate two independent clauses. Handbooks on english grammar are too numerous, yet few are written with keeping in mind the usual problems of students. For helping me finish this project, i would like to thank my parents, karl marx and god. The semicolon and comma make sense if you rephrase it like that, but im more interested in the correct punctuation usage for the sentence as it is. The period, question mark, and exclamation mark are the three musketeers of punctuation.
Browse other questions tagged grammar questions semicolon or ask. It is almost always a greater pleasure to come across a semicolon than a period. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Semicolon in english writing english english grammar.
Browse other questions tagged grammar questions semicolon or ask your own question. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition. In it, tim and moby introduce you to a strangelooking but very important punctuation mark. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. Aug 31, 2015 grammar cheat sheets for their notebook, so you can spend less time teaching them and more time writing. Nov 28, 2017 christine how true it is that it sometimes is difficult to know whether to use a colon vs a semicolon. Instead of saying because my grandmother is afraid shell miss out on something, we have implied the because. The semicolon recognize a semicolon when you see one. I have a decent understanding of the semicolon usage, so i dont need a complete lecture on it. Quite often it is the writers opinion that will determine which of the two is used.
Start studying grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. Semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key grammar. Grammar and punctuation the blue book of grammar and. An ebookthat is, a book that lacks a url and that you use software to read on a personal device or computeris considered. The semicolon prevents the repetition of the comma and keeps apart the more important members of the sentence. Introduction top writers do not use the semicolon as much today as they did in the past. Semicolons in a series when the items in a series themselves contain commas, separate the items with semicolons incorrect.
Includes detailed terms, interactive exercises, handouts, and more. Top writers do not use the semicolon as much today as they did in the past. Sep 20, 2006 the semicolon is sort of like a cross between a comma and a period. Dont capitalize the word that follows the semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one that is always capitalized. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Use a semicolon between two main clauses if they are not separated by and, or etc. Effective semicolons add variety to sentence structure.
It doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. The semicolon represents a break midway between a comma and a full stop, and is principally used to separate independent sentencelike clauses that are strongly related never use a lathe or any other machine in the workshop if you are feeling ill or tired. Is the author thanking four peoplehis mother, his father, karl marx, and god. The semicolon is generally used in long sentences, but you can also use it properly in short ones.
506 1239 96 954 1285 827 1281 1205 59 166 649 59 914 834 1235 1172 1451 359 623 454 402 939 394 873 1222 718 246 898 214