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Questions tagged [semicolons]

Use of the semicolon, the ";" symbol.

The semicolon (;) is used to separate statement blocks within a sentence, and also to group list items by type.

For example:

It is cold; I am wearing my coat.

We are going to London, England; Paris, France and Geneva, Switzerland.

350 questions
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Semicolon usage in this sentence

Was the semi-colon used correctly in this sentence? In my opinion, anyone can apply this mindset to change unhealthy habits into good ones; and in return, turn his or her life around.
Nadia132
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Any examples of where a full-stop can't replace a semi-colon?

By virtue of separating two closely related but separate thoughts, the semi-colon can generally be replaced by a full stop. I don't mean in the beauty and sound of it, but just grammatically. Can you think of any examples where the full stop, if…
Akin
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Is the use of semi-colon correct here?

Consider the following sentence: "Walker was not only the trailblazer in the medical field; she was also a visionary who bravely challenged many of the social prejudices of her day. " My question is that whether it is appropriate to use…
Asad Raza
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Should I use a semicolon or comma in these statements for greater impact?

I am struggling with the use of semicolons, commas, and periods in my writing of a specific passage of my personal statement. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. “What is the worst thing you have ever seen?” This question inevitably…
Thomas
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Can you use a semicolon after an interjection/exclamation?

The usual form for using interjections involves following them with a comma, period, or exclamation point. For example... "Well, I honestly have no idea." "Dude! Where's my car!" "Wow. I have nothing to say to that." You get the idea. So! Can one…
JellyBeanRacer
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What are the rules on semi-colons?

Cruise ships can stay in one port for a short time only; which can be a problem if one wants to stay longer. Can I use a semi-colon in this sentence of two halves?
Kelly Han
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Proper use of semicolon for crude emphasis

My sentence is: "Cars kill people; a lot of people." I'm keeping the language brutally simple for crude emphasis. Do you guys think this is a good way to use the semicolon?
tdog2
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Correct use of semi-colon

Is the following use of a semi-colon correct? I found examples of variability in temperature and in pressure; some strongly correlated. I think that the words after the semi-colon have to be a sentence in their own right, but I'm not sure that…
user1551817
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Correct usage of semicolon?

I think I understand the use of semicolons reasonably well, but could someone tell me if I am using it correctly here please: My research focuses on pulsars; exotic remnants of dead stars. Thank you.
user1551817
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Am I using a semi colon properly here?

Here is the phrase: "Your choir’s vocal harmony is top notch; now, the time has come for some visual harmony. "  
Eddie Barranco
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Does this semicolon work here?

Can a semicolon be used here? "Hello Justin; this is Rebecca." Or is it just a comma that should be placed there? Or do of them both work in a sentence?
Becca
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Use of Semicolon in Obituary?

Since the first two list items contain a comma, do I follow suit and use a semi-colon for the last two? "He leaves behind his wife of 61 years,_____; children ____, ____, and ____; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren."
user373315
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Is it grammatically correct to seperate a complete sentence and an incomplete sentence with a semi-colon?

A common pattern in English is to separate two complete sentences with a semi-colon. For example, John was hurt; he knew she only said it to upset him. "John was hurt" is a complete sentence, and so is, "he knew she only said it to upset him."…
Toothpick Anemone
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Semi-colon usage

Has this semi-colon been used correctly? If not, how should this sentence read? Thank you. This brew is a result of passion, hard work, and commitment; connecting family, friendships and good times.
Curious
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semicolons in the heading?

If there is a page that deals with the use of napkins and wine glasses, can the heading be "napkins; wine glasses"? Do you think it's customary to use the semicolon in this way? I'd appreciate your help.
Apollyon
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