What should a semicolon be used for?

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Semicolons should not be used between a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Do you put a comma before apartment number?

Addresses. When writing an address all on one line or in a sentence, use a comma before the following elements: the apartment or suite number, the city, and the state. It’s not necessary to use a comma before the zip code. Her address is 3425 Stone Street, Apt.

What sentence uses a semicolon?

Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.

What are the two rules for using a semicolon?

Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes.

Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses.
Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon.
Use Semicolons in a Serial List.
Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs.
Use a Semicolon to Give a Wily Wink.

Can you use a semicolon in a list?

Semicolons can be used to link items in a list, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions. Where the list items already contain commas, a semicolon helps avoid confusion between the items; in this way the semicolon acts like a ‘super comma’.

Where do you put semicolons?

Using Semicolons

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.

How do you write address with apartment number?

USPS.com advises that when the apartment number doesn’t fit on the street address line, apartment number should be written ABOVE the street information. The USPS prefers including the apartment number on one long street address line, but also suggests the alternative of including an apt line above the street address.

Can you use and after a semicolon?

It is generally considered acceptable to place a semicolon before and or but in order to break up a very long sentence, especially when there are already multiple commas/clauses.

When should semicolons not be used?

Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a semicolon.

What are the three uses of a semicolon?

Semicolons have three main uses:

Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses that are closely related.
Unleash the mighty semicolon when using a conjunctive adverb to join two main clauses.
Use a pack of semicolons to make a bunch of competing commas more manageable and easy to understand.

When do you use a semicolon in a list?

A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. Here are the two most common uses of the semicolon: 1. To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas.

What’s the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

The semicolon is the colon’s quirkier sibling. While the colon is simply two dots stacked : the semicolon is a dot hovering over a comma ; The semicolon does jobs that are also done by other punctuation marks, but puts its own spin on the task. Like a comma, it can separate elements in a series.

When to use a semicolon between two independent clauses?

Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases. However they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods. Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any…

Can a semicolon be stacked on top of a comma?

Semicolons (;) are as basic as a period stacked on top of a comma. Does that mean you can use it like either one? Don’t get your hopes up.