This time, the list items themselves contain commas. It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.
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How do you introduce a list?
In-sentence lists Use a colon to introduce the list items only if a complete sentence precedes the list. Use both opening and closing parentheses on the list item numbers or letters: (a) item, (b) item, etc. Use either regular Arabic numbers or lowercase letters within the parentheses, but use them consistently.
What are 5 examples of compound sentences?
5 Examples of Compound Sentences I want to lose weight, yet I eat chocolate daily. Michael did not like to read. She was not very good at it. Dr. Mark said I could come to his office on Friday or Saturday of next week. My favorite sport is skiing. I am vacationing in Hawaii this winter.
Is a colon used for a list?
Introducing a list. The colon is used to introduce a list of items. The bookstore specializes in three subjects: art, architecture, and graphic design. Do not, however, use a colon when the listed items are incorporated into the flow of the sentence.
What are 3 ways to use a semicolon?
3 Ways to Use a Semicolon Use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses. An independent clause is a sentence that communicates a complete thought and makes sense on its own. Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. Use semicolons to separate items in a list.
How do you use a colon and semicolon?
Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.
What are some examples of semicolons?
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.
Do you use a colon or semicolon when listing?
Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list.
What is the correct punctuation for a list?
There are three punctuation marks involved in making a list in a sentence: the comma, colon, and semicolon. Which you use depends on how complex your list is. If you are writing a simple list, you can just insert a comma after each item.
How do you introduce a list with a colon?
Use a colon before a series or list only if the words that introduce the list make up a complete sentence: To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, leavener, and salt.
How do you use a semicolon in a long list?
Use Semicolons in a Serial List. You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation. In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items.
Can you use a colon for a list of two things?
It is therefore correct to use a colon before the list. So if you have a list, remember you only use a colon before it if the list follows a clause that could be used on its own.
What is semicolons and examples?
A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that has two main functions: Semicolons separate items in a complex list. For example, The Council is comprised of ten members: three from Sydney, Australia; four from Auckland, New Zealand; two from Suva, Fiji; and one from Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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.
Do you use semicolons in a numbered list?
Semicolons link sentences. They complicate sentences for users if overused. Do not use them at the end of bullet and numbered list items.
What is the use of semicolon and examples?
A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
How do you use a colon in a list examples?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Can I use semicolons to separate items in a list?
Use a semicolon to separate items in a list in cases where one or more of the items contains commas or other punctuation. However, if one or more of these items contain commas, then you should use a semicolon, instead of a comma, to separate the items and avoid potential confusion.
When should a semicolon be used examples?
Semicolons Separate Clauses Here’s an example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight. The two clauses in that sentence are separated by a semicolon and could be sentences on their own if you put a period between them instead: I have a big test tomorrow.
How do 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’.
What is a colon and examples?
Updated July 17, 2018. The colon ( : ) is a mark of punctuation used after a statement (such as an independent clause) or that introduces a quotation, an explanation, an example, or a series.