Let’s talk about a type of punctuation that is often used incorrectly. The semicolon ( ; ) is a mix between a comma ( , ) and a colon ( : ), but it does not take the place of either punctuation mark!
A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses (sentences). If you want to stick two sentences together but don’t feel like using an em dash ( — ), you can use the semicolon! Here’s an example:
Correct: Sadie thought about it; the plan was perfect.
See how both sides of the semicolon are complete sentences? We would use a semicolon here, not a comma. A comma would join a sentence and a dependent clause (which means not a complete sentence). For example:
Correct: Sadie thought about it, and she realized the plan was perfect.
“and she realized the plan…” is not a full sentence, so we would not use a semicolon in this case! (The “and” makes it an incomplete sentence!)
Many people use a semicolon in place of a colon, but that is also incorrect. Here’s an example of where using a semicolon is incorrect:
Incorrect: Sadie wrote down what she needed; milk, eggs, and butter.
That should be a colon, not a semicolon! Colons introduce lists, not semicolons. Remember, a list is not a complete sentence, so we would not use a semicolon there.
How about this example? (I’ll give you a hint—it’s incorrect!):
Incorrect: Sadie wanted to dream; to fly far away.
Can you see why this is incorrect? Again, “to fly far away” is not a complete sentence, and semicolons only join those beautiful, luscious sentences!
Let’s go with one more correct example, just to round it off:
Correct: Sadie knows how to use semicolons; she is an expert.
And now, so are you!
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