One of the main uses of a semicolon is to separate two independent clauses. Is the author thanking four peoplehis mother, his father, karl marx, and god. I created this handy reference sheet of grammar terms and examples. Commas quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Like the comma, a semicolon and colon both give pause, but the semicolon is the choice for separating two complete thoughts when you dont want to use a conjunction.
All three marks of punctuation have the same function. According to rule 1 for semicolons, use a semicolon to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. The conference has people who have come from moscow, idaho, springfield, california, alamo, tennessee, and other places as well. It may be substituted for a period between two grammatically complete sentences that are closely connected in sense. When too many commas are used in one sentence, the sentence becomes confusing. Rule 4 for colons says that if the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence, then a colon is used. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif. This handy workbook is ideal for teachers, students in middle school through college, esl students, homeschoolers, and professionals. After the comma, the semicolon is the least abrupt. Each of these tools acts as a speed bump in writing. In it, tim and moby introduce you to a strangelooking but very important punctuation mark. Use a semicolon between two main clauses if they are not separated by and, or etc. Using a semicolon like a comma can definitely create some trouble.
Aug 31, 2015 semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key. The period, question mark, and exclamation mark are the three musketeers of punctuation. When a sentence contains multiple commas in the first clause, it is appropriate to use a semicolon before a conjunction to join two clauses. T he s em i col on recognize a semicolon when you see one. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. But i do wonder if this follows the idea that a semicolon can take the place of a comma if a comma has already been used in the sentence. At one time these punctuation marks were known as semiperiods. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas.
Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Semicolon goes outside this article is about semicolon goes outside enjoy your reading. As you can see from rule 2 of this blog and from rule 2 from our chapter on semicolons, the proper use of a semicolon with a list is only when you are using introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i. To distinguish between the comma and the semicolon is an achievement, a real test of understanding punctuation. Handbooks on english grammar are too numerous, yet few are written with keeping in mind the usual problems of students. Some joker once observed that the semicolon is a comma that has gone to college. Punctuation marks are tools that have set functions. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. Because a semicolon is grammatically identical to a period, and you shouldnt start a sentence with and or. I have a decent understanding of the semicolon usage, so i dont need a complete lecture on it. The mark does have its uses, however, and when you do join two independent clauses without a conjunction, you must use the semicolon or a. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. The semicolon represents a break midway between a comma and a full stop, and is principally used to separate independent sentencelike clauses that are strongly related never use a lathe or any other machine in the workshop if you are feeling ill or tired.
The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Guidelines for using semicolons, colons, and dashes. When choosing to punctuate a compound sentence one with two independent clauses, semicolon use is another option. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how the emphasis is distributed. This worksheet covers some of the most common uses of colons and semicolons. A revised and updated new edition of the bestselling workbook and grammar guide the blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage.
A semicolon helps to break up the clauses and avoid confusion for the reader. Among such rare grammar books is the one written by jane straus, named as the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Leo tolstoy, anna karenina the above quote is one of the great opening lines to any novel. There are a few cases in which leaving out the comma can become confusing. The two parts of the sentence separated by the semicolon must be closely related. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar.
Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition. The semicolon allows the writer to imply a relationship between nicely balanced ideas without actually stating that relationship. Learn how to tell the difference between the semicolon and its grammatical cousin, the colon. I love that the colon and semicolon have been brought into question for a few reasons. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Discover how semicolons can be used instead of words like. Quite often it is the writers opinion that will determine which of the two is used. Comma or semicolon between independent clauses that have internal commas and that are joined by a coordinating conjunction. Nov 28, 2017 christine how true it is that it sometimes is difficult to know whether to use a colon vs a semicolon.
Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. May be used to practice, reinforce, or teach grammar and punctuation skills. May be used to practice, reinforce, or teach grammar and. Keep these three things in mind when you use a semicolon. Sep 20, 2006 the semicolon is sort of like a cross between a comma and a period. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to reallife, entertaining examples. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
If i had to use the exact words that you used, i would punctuate the sentence exactly as you have. We only have a limited time to address this issues in class. Grammar and punctuation the blue book of grammar and. Richard nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and english at georgia southern university and the author of several universitylevel grammar and composition textbooks. Dont capitalize the word that follows the semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one that is always capitalized. Maybe that explains why so many writers try to avoid the mark. As a matter of style, you should try to avoid using too many sentences consisting of two independent clauses joined by a semicolon. Introduction top writers do not use the semicolon as much today as they did in the past. Note that with only commas, that sentence is hopeless. Instead of saying because my grandmother is afraid shell miss out on something, we have implied the because. They also emphasize cause and effect relationships. Semicolon in english writing english english grammar.
Should a semicolon precede an adverb that does not separate two independent clauses. This would be good for students who need a little cheat sheet. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. An ebookthat is, a book that lacks a url and that you use software to read on a personal device or computeris considered.
The first appropriate use of the semicolon is to connect two related sentences. These websites explain everything you need to know. However, this is a very particular situation, so youll want to pay close attention. Commas quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and punctuation.
In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. Today, i would like to demystify the colon and semicolon just like we demystified that dirty word grammar. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of. If you think a semicolon helps you digest food, its time for you to watch this brainpop movie. The semicolon should be placed outside quotation marks.
The semicolon prevents the repetition of the comma and keeps apart the more important members of the sentence. It is a very strong mark of punctuation, and can do all by itself what normally requires a comma plus a coordinating conjunction to accomplish. With over 200,000 copies sold, this is one of the most highly trusted english language resources available. Chapter 3 semicolon this article is about chapter 3 semicolon enjoy your reading. Thus the reader is involved in the development of an ideaa clever, subliminal way of engaging the. It is used to join two closelyrelated sentences, creating a pause where a writer doesnt want the fullstop of a period. A semicolon is used to designate a pause in a sentence. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a combination reference book and workbook. I suppose i could change it, but i rather like the original way i. This post is all about colons and semicolons punctuation is the name for the marks we use in writing. The semicolon is used for more things than just winking in text. Browse other questions tagged grammar questions semicolon or ask. For helping me finish this project, i would like to thank my parents, karl marx and god.
Aug 31, 2015 grammar cheat sheets for their notebook, so you can spend less time teaching them and more time writing. Colons and semicolons as linking punctuation part i one of the important functions of the colon. When i submit something to for example, a newspaper, i do strive for perfection so that the editor does not think i do not know, what i believe they would consider simple grammar. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Review the blue book of grammar and punctuation young.
Includes detailed terms, interactive exercises, handouts, and more. Im wondering whether to use a colon, semicolon or comma in the following sentence. So right after telling you that semicolons shouldnt be used like commas, we should discuss one situation where the semicolon does function more like a comma. Punctuation marks are tools that have set function. Jan 01, 1997 the blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. Grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. It is almost always a greater pleasure to come across a semicolon than a period. No semicolon before and or but the critical reader. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. Semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key grammar. We visited erie, pennsylvania, buffalo, new york, and toronto, ontario. Start studying grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. Top writers do not use the semicolon as much today as they did in the past. Its main function is to connect two independent clauses that are closely related.
Browse other questions tagged grammar questions semicolon or ask your own question. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. The basic rules that follow may clarify some of the confusion and help writers sidestep common misapplications. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. The semicolon recognize a semicolon when you see one. Semicolons before conjunctions the quick answer when a conjunction words like and, but and or is used to merge two independent clauses into one sentence, it is possible to use a semicolon before the conjunction to outrank any commas in the clause. Misplaced, omitted, sprinkled like confetti on the page, usurped by punctuation marks like the semicolon and colonif commas could talk, these would be their complaints. Semicolons in a series when the items in a series themselves contain commas, separate the items with semicolons incorrect. Sep 29, 2009 as you can see from rule 2 of this blog and from rule 2 from our chapter on semicolons, the proper use of a semicolon with a list is only when you are using introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i. Effective semicolons add variety to sentence structure. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of grammar, punctuation, and usage. It has everything on one sheet for quick reference. The semicolon is generally used in long sentences, but you can also use it properly in short ones. The semicolon and comma make sense if you rephrase it like that, but im more interested in the correct punctuation usage for the sentence as it is.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation a short list of rules. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition. You should use semicolons when you are separating items in a list that contain commas. The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning. It doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation.
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