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.
Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression, such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore.
In the majority of cases, a semicolon is used to link two closely-related independent clauses. That is, the two statements on either side of the semicolon could totally be sentences all their own, but the semicolon indicates that they're essentially part of the same idea.
A semicolon resembles a period placed over a comma (;). The two most common reasons to use a semicolon are to join two related independent sentences or to punctuate a list or series that also uses commas.
After 13 Reasons Why became a breakout show on Netflix, Selena, who executive produced the show, got a semicolon tattoo on her wrist with cast members Alisha Boe and Tommy Dorfman. Semicolon tattoos are a reference to Project Semicolon, a suicide prevention and mental health awareness platform.
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.
Think of semicolons as thoughtful pauses, as opposed to the full stop indicated by a period. Semicolons can fluidly link two complete ideas without the need for conjunctions. Semicolons are not only used to link main clauses. They can also be used in complicated lists.
That was easy. To help you determine if you are using a semicolon correctly, just ask yourself if a period would be correct if used where the semicolon is used. If so, then you have used the semicolon correctly. If a comma could be used where a semicolon is used, then the semicolon is not used correctly.
The Rules for Using Semicolons
(A semicolon gives a smoother transition than a period.) Semicolons are also like hard commas because they can be used to separate list items (especially when the list items contain commas). For example: I will contact Matt, the baker; Simon, the butcher; and Janet, the lawyer.
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.
"The semicolon itself was a Renaissance invention. It first appeared in 1494, in a book published in Venice by Aldus Manutius.
In practice, a colon is often used to introduce a second sentence that explains or clarifies the previous one. By contrast, a semicolon is used to indicate that two sentences are simply related to each other in some way. For example: There was only one way to defeat the dragon: we needed a magic sword.
But observe carefully: the semicolon must be both preceded by a complete sentence and followed by a complete sentence. Do not use the semicolon otherwise: *I don't like him; not at all. *In 1991 the music world was shaken by a tragic event; the death of Freddy Mercury.
The semicolon tattoo is a sign for those who battling suicidal thoughts and depression. The symbol is often etched into butterfly ink design.
While you don't have to get a semicolon tattoo because of its meaning, those who get the tattoo usually do so to honor someone—whether that's a friend, a relative, or themselves—or to raise awareness of mental illness, suicide, addiction, or self-harm.
The semicolon has become a symbol for those 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.
Behind her neck, Hailey has the initial 'G' which is thought to be in honour of her pastor's daughter Georgia who has a rare brain condition called lishencephaly. Hailey is one of many celebrities who had the 'G' tattoo, as well as husband Justin, who has the tattoo on his arm, and actress Ashley Benson.
'La Eme,' or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U.S. They're allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons.
According to Refinery29, she promptly showed it on her Instagram, stating “G for Georgia”: the reference is to Georgia Veach, daughter of Pastor Chad Veach, a mentor to many Hollywood stars. Georgia has a rare brain disease diagnosed many years ago, and the G tattoo is the way many artists supported her in America.
In 1837, two University of Paris law professors clashed over a question of semicolon usage and decided to settle the matter with a duel. A rogue semicolon drifted into the retranscription of an early-20th-century statute, causing liquor service to be suspended in Boston for six years.
1) The semicolon is a 500-year-old, loose lady of literature, born in Italy. The semicolon was first conceived of and used in 1494 by an Italian printer named Aldus Manutius. Manutius was born in a city not far from Rome, but then migrated to Venice and opened his print shop.
Unlike the other symbols, the semicolon is young. The first printed work dates back to an Italian printer, Aldus Manutius, the Elder, in 1496. It had been used in a book called De Aetna. It was used to bring about the sudden change in the expression of sentences holding different meanings; yet written together.
Rule #4. Use semicolons to join two independent clauses when multiple commas have appeared previously in a sentence. Examples: I have been working, and by working, I mean working hard; and I'm exhausted.