Semicolons in Lists Semicolons with Independent Clauses

This is the second most common mistake when using semicolons, confusing them with commas. We can use a comma to connect two independent clauses only when we use a coordinating conjunction. We can use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. Second, we use commas in simple lists, and we use semicolons in…

As we already mentioned, the most common mistakes are almost always to do with mixing semicolons up with either colons or commas. So we’ll inspect those again with some specific examples for you to see why it is wrong, and we’ll remind you briefly about how you can remember to avoid these common grammar mistakes. In Place of…

Semicolons with Quotation Marks Now that you can be confident with how semicolons work in sentences and what their functions are, there’s only one question remaining: what happens if you have both a semicolon and quotation marks? This is important enough to look at separately from the above section. You can use colons to introduce quotations,…

Hopefully, we’re now pretty clear on colons and semicolons. But we might need a quick refresher on dashes to know when we should use them. First off, dashes only replace colons and semicolons when connecting clauses. Dashes will never be appropriate in a list. To decide whether you want to replace a colon or semicolon with a…

You shouldn’t capitalize the first letter after a semicolon unless it is a proper noun. Treat the semicolon like a comma and follow normal grammatical rules after placing one. Don’t capitalize words after a semicolon! Though they have their similarities, a semicolon isn’t a full stop. Just like you don’t need a capital letter after…

As we’ve already mentioned, there are really only two reasons you would need to use a semicolon: 1) As part of a list that is more complicated because it provides additional details. 2) To join two independent clauses that have a similar theme or idea but could work separately as two sentences in their own…

Much like colons, semicolons can become a little confusing. So, we’ve put together this helpful guide that should tell you everything you need to know about what they are, when you should use them, when you shouldn’t use them, and provide you with some key points to remember so you never forget the correct use of…