What does a semicolon mean in a sentence?


A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.

What does semicolon mean in a sentence example?

In general, we use a semicolon to indicate that two sentences are closely related to each other. For example, they could discuss the same topic or contrast two similar things: You can find lions in Africa; they live in groups called prides. (Both sentences are about the same lions.)

When should a semicolon be used examples?

A semicolon suggests a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period. Here's an example of a semicolon signifying a connection or contrast between the clauses without fully separating them. I went to the store; I forgot my wallet.7 päivää sitten

What does a semicolon tell a reader?

To join two sentences. The semicolon keeps the clauses somewhat separate, like a period would do, so we can easily tell which ideas belong to which clause. But it also suggests that there may be a close relationship between the two clauses—closer than you would expect if there were a period between them.

What does (;) mean?

semicolon. A punctuation mark (;) used to join two independent clauses in a sentence. The semicolon shows that the ideas in the two clauses are related: “Jack really didn't mind being left without a car; he had the house to himself.”

What does the semicolon (;) represent?

The semicolon ; (or semi-colon) is a symbol commonly used as orthographic punctuation. In the English language, a semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, such as when restating the preceding idea with a different expression.

What does the semicolon mean for mental health?

It's a simple concept; simply draw or tattoo the semicolon symbol somewhere visible on your body to represent and share personal strength to overcome internal struggle. This means anyone can raise awareness of suicide prevention, depression, addiction, and help stop mental health stigma.

How to use a colon correctly?

Colon. The colon is used chiefly to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation following an independent clause (complete sentence). Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a list. Example: I have a few favorite classes at LLCC: literature, psychology, and art.

What is the purpose of the semicolon?

A semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them. Include a semicolon before the final conjunction.

What is the hidden meaning of the semicolon?

The semicolon has become a symbol of hope for people who have battled depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues. It is a reminder that even though their story could have ended there, they chose to continue on.

What does a semicolon mean for dummies?

semicolon. noun. semi·​co·​lon ˈsem-i-ˌkō-lən. : a punctuation mark that can be used to separate parts of a sentence which need clearer separation than would be shown by a comma, to separate main clauses which have no conjunction between, and to separate phrases and clauses containing commas.

What is the power of the semicolon?

The use of the semicolon suggests that the writer sees the two smaller sentences as being more closely related than the average two consecutive sentences; preferring the semicolon to and often gives a more vivid sense of the relation between the two.

How to use semicolon?

There are two essential ways to use a semicolon. The first is relatively straightforward and separates a list of items in a sentence; the second separates independent clauses, while connecting them as related ideas. Semicolons can be used to link items in a list, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions.

What is the meaning of semicolon in love?

The semicolon says that the past doesn't tell our whole story. There's always a future story yet to be told. The semicolon dares to hope about this future that the best is always yet to come. I believe this is true, always, which is why love is a semicolon.

What is this symbol (;) used for?

Semicolon (;) Like the comma and the colon, the semicolon is used to connect sentences together. The semicolon typically indicates that the second sentence is closely related to the one before it.

Where to use semicolon in a sentence?

Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.

What does a semicolon mean for dummies?

semicolon. noun. semi·​co·​lon ˈsem-i-ˌkō-lən. : a punctuation mark that can be used to separate parts of a sentence which need clearer separation than would be shown by a comma, to separate main clauses which have no conjunction between, and to separate phrases and clauses containing commas.

What is an example of a colon in a sentence?

Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a summary, restatement, or explanation of the ideas presented in the preceding independent clause. Example: Sara studied hard for one purpose: to succeed in her college courses.

What is the meaning of semicolon in love?

The semicolon says that the past doesn't tell our whole story. There's always a future story yet to be told. The semicolon dares to hope about this future that the best is always yet to come. I believe this is true, always, which is why love is a semicolon.

What is the tattoo symbol for depression?

The Semicolon ; Project Semicolon is dedicated to raising awareness of depression, and presenting messages of hope and love. As Bleuel often described the punctuation mark, the semicolon is used when an author could have chosen to end a sentence, but instead, chose to continue on.

What are the rules for semicolons?

Rule. Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.

Why does Selena Gomez have a semicolon tattoo?

Shortly after, Gomez joined the show's stars Alisha Boe (who played Hannah's ex-BFF Jessica) and Tommy Dorfman (who played poet Ryan Shaver) for a tattoo session in Hollywood. Their matching semicolons represent mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

What does a semicolon tattoo mean on a woman?

A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;), which is used as a message of affirmation and solidarity with those who have dealt with suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues. Warning: This article deals with the sensitive topic of suicide.

What can a semicolon symbolize?

This small punctuation mark—in grammatical terms—represents a place where a sentence could end, but continues on.

What is the misuse of semicolons?

Perhaps the most common semicolon mistake is using the punctuation mark when it is not needed. Use Semicolons as Follows: Link two or more related independent clauses with a semicolon unless they are already joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

When not to use a semicolon?

Semicolons with independent clauses John finished all his homework, but Kathleen did not finish hers. Correct: John finished all his homework; Kathleen did not finish hers. Semicolons should not be used between a dependent clause and an independent clause.