English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A semicolon is a piece of punctuation that looks like a period stacked on top of a comma (;). A semicolon is not stop punctuation because it does not come at the end of a sentence. A semicolon is always… Read more646. The Semicolon
A semicolon is used between two complete thoughts.Today is Tuesday; we have softball this evening. Instead of the semicolon between the two complete thoughts, you can also use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (one of the FANBOYS). Today is… Read more647. Semicolon in Place of Comma FANBOYS
Joining two connected thoughts with a semicolon is exactly the same grammatical form as joining two connected thoughts with a comma and one of the FANBOYS. These two sentence structures can be used interchangeably. So how does a writer know… Read more648. Highlight on Writing – Semicolon vs. Comma FANBOYS
We usually use a comma between items in a list. I am friends with Tom, Cathy, and Marie. A comma was needed after each item in this list. When we write a list of items, and those items already have… Read more649. Using a Semicolon with a List
Section A: Place a semicolon or semicolons into each sentence below where needed. You may need to replace a comma to insert the semicolon.1. I visited colleges in Evanston, Illinois, Dayton, Ohio, and Melbourne, Florida. 2. There are interesting sites… Read more650. Practice with the Semicolon
A colon is a piece of punctuation that looks like two dots stacked on top of each other (:). A colon can be used to alert the reader to the fact that a list is coming. The words before the… Read more651. Use the Colon with a List
We use a colon between the hour and the minutes when writing time. 2:13 two-thirteen4:47 four forty-seven6:00 six o’clock When writing time, a colon separates the hour from the minutes. ▶Now you try it. Place a colon where it should… Read more652. Use a Colon When Writing Time
A colon is used in math to show a ratio. A ratio is a comparison of the value of two numbers. Here is an example of a ratio: Our team has a two to one chance of winning. Our team… Read more653. Using the Colon with a Ratio
Another use of the colon is to show emphasis for a word or group of words. Look at this example:My little brother eats only one thing: carrots. Notice that the words before the colon are a complete thought. The word… Read more654. Use a Colon for Emphasis
Section A: Place a colon into each sentence below. 1. The ratio of boys to girls in this classroom is 21.2. I’ll pick you up at 235 this afternoon. 3. I found a new favorite food humus.4. Dad wants one… Read more655. Practice with the Colon