These two grammatically correct sentences differ only in whether we followed the semicolon-and-comma rule you mention, showing its value clearly. *Four-and-a-half if we include the informal use as …

Aug 5, 2010 · How does one correctly use a semicolon? It is probably one of the more difficult punctuation marks to master in my opinion.

The semicolon between clauses suggests a connection between the sentences that is stronger than if there were a period between the two. As (to me) it is generally acceptable to start sentences with the …

The main factor in choosing whether to use a semicolon or an em dash (if you're playing your cards right) is whether the clause that the punctuation introduces is more explanatory or expository in …

62 When you want to connect two closely related sentences, you can use a semicolon or a dash. (You can also use a dash for other kinds of non-sentential relations). How would you choose whether to …

Mar 2, 2025 · 0 I would argue that when the independence of clauses is obvious, the choice between a comma and a semicolon serves to guide the reader's rhythm and pacing. A semicolon, in particular, …

Jul 4, 2020 · The semicolon can start a list of two or more. If only one then it is merely setting apart the enumerated item. It messes things up if you drop it in the middle of list items you are already listing. I …

Dec 21, 2015 · The last example proves that you can have a semicolon immediately before a quotation, but (a) this is rare construction and (b) it's structurally different from the actual example, which is why …

Sep 11, 2020 · The list semicolon is used where the items within the list contain punctuation. The list semicolon is not used before a conjunction as either (i) the conjunction itself provides the separation …

Jul 22, 2017 · To quote your first source, "The semicolon can be used to sort out a complicated list containing many items, many of which themselves contain commas." This being so, it seems …