Can some explain how to use a semi colon?

Question

; that. wassit mean?
can you explain in a simple way so an idiot (me) can understand?

Answer 1

Semicolons imply separation rather than connection. It is like 2 parts whose separation needs to be emphasized.

For example:

Mary moved to Seattle; she was sick of getting sunburned in Los Angeles.

Do u see the connection? In someway the semicolon replaces a conjunction. It is not a simple thing to use.You need practice with this. Try using it in your english essays. This is also known as one of the special effects. If you know how to use it correctly it will really benefit u a lot. I hope you get the hang of it. :)

Answer 2

In English, the semicolon has two main purposes:

It binds two sentences more closely than they would be if separated by a full stop/period. It often replaces a conjunction such as and or but. Writers might consider this appropriate where they are trying to indicate a close relationship between two sentences, or a 'run-on' in meaning from one to the next; they don't wish the connection to be broken by the abrupt use of a full-stop.
It is used as a stronger division than a comma, or a "super comma" to make meaning clear in a sentence where commas are already being used for other purposes. A common example of this use is to separate the items of a list when some of the items themselves contain commas.
There are several rules that govern semicolon placement:

Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction: "I went to the store; it was closed."
Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb: "I like to ride horses; however, they don't like to be ridden by me."
Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation: "There are several Waffle Houses in Atlanta, Georgia; Greenville, South Carolina; Pensacola, Florida; and Mobile, Alabama."
A semicolon can be used to separate independent clauses that are joined by coordinating conjunctions when the clauses have internal commas that might lead to misreading: "After the game, I won a red beanie baby, four edible ingots, and a certificate of excellence; but when the storm came, I lost it all in a torrent of sleet, snow, and profanity."

Semicolons are always followed by a lower case letter, unless that letter begins a proper noun. Semicolons are placed after closing quotation marks.

Answer 3

It binds two sentences more closely than they would be if separated by a full stop/period. It often replaces a conjunction such as and or but. Writers might consider this appropriate where they are trying to indicate a close relationship between two sentences, or a 'run-on' in meaning from one to the next; they don't wish the connection to be broken by the abrupt use of a full-stop.

That was from wiki. Here's an example:
I am completely starved; I haven't eaten since yesterday.

Answer 4

A semi colon separates two sentences that express a similar or complementary idea. A period separates two sentences that convey a different idea. So, if you think the two points you are trying to make are very closely related, then use a semi colon. For example:

This question was really about English; it demonstarted a desire to know how to use the language correctly.

Answer 5

Usually when you have a list of words you can manage to separate the words with a comma. Example: "He put on his coat, hat, scarf and gloves". But once you start adding to these simple words on the list, it becomes a bit more complicated. "He put on his new cashmere coat, his grey hat, his old college scarf and his leather gloves." We can still use commas to separate the words, as no reader is going to be confused so far. But when we move on to add a further element: "He put on his new cashmere coat, which he hadn't worn before; his grey, waterproof hat; his old college scarf and his leather gloves." then we find ourselves obliged to use a semi colon because otherwise the reader couldn't make sense of it. In other words, if you look at what you have written and commas are not strong enough to separate the various phrases you have used, then you're obliged to use semi-colons.

Answer 6

Please don't call yourself an idiot - no one knows EVERYTHING.

A semi-colon is often used to join together two independant clauses, in other words it joins two clauses that could be sentences.

Matthew chapter 6 v 2; Mark chapter 2 v 5; John chapter 3 v 16;
or
Mary drives a Mercedes; Joanne drives a chevrolet

Hope this helps

Answer 7

1. It is a short pause, used to unite sentences.
For example: The city is surrounded by a large industrial area and a park; further east is the sea.

2. It is used for a list.
For example: I would like to thank my teacher, Ally Jones; my father, Terry Tell; and my sister.
For example: These are the fruits in the orchard; apples, pears....

Answer 8

In easy terms it's used instead of 'because' and 'and'. It just breaks up the sentence a little.

He took his umbrella because it was raining.
He took his umbrella; it was raining.
She took his hand and they went inside.
She took his hand; they went inside.

There's a little more to it than that, but the above is an easy one to remember when writing. Also, with practice you'll know when it looks right.

Answer 9

everyone did a great job explaining it
i would just add one thing
I use semicolons most withe however and nevertheless

Most people are nice; however, some are not.
I didn't want to join them; nevertheless, I went.

Answer 10

You can use it to join two complete sentences instead of a comma and. (,and)