so many people write and advise in different ways. is there any easy to follow rules. please kindly provide rules and examples.
many thanks in advance.
2007-02-27 21:41:03 · 7 answers · asked by nutterandbolter 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Use the semi-colon if a comma is too weak and a full-stop is too strong.
2007-02-27 22:03:38 · answer #1 · answered by Mike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Punctuation is the way we turn written words, into the sounds they make when we speak them. So it is used to indicate exactly how the writer meant the words to be spoken. Grammar are the rules of language, to avoid confusion.
A full stop is simply a breath. a short natrual pause in speach, and a comma is a quick pause, but not a full breath.
The semi-colon is a Semi dramatic pause; a bit longer than a breath. Its used to link two items related to each other. If the second part of the sentence is a dependant clause - needs the first part to make sense - do not use a semi colon.
However, if the second part of the sentence could be written separately, then link them with a short pause for dramatic effect ; the semi colon links two related sentences.
The colon is therefore a long dramatic pause. It can ruin a sentence if it is placed between a verb and its object or subject complement, or between a preposition and its object.
If in doubt, don't use one; its simple really opt instead for the get out of jail punctuation mark, the small dash - it allows you to do lots of things - jump around - a bit like a hand gesture - that indicates that you are knitting - parts - of the sentence together -there much easier to use.
Hope that helps.
2007-02-27 22:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by DAVID C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A comma can be used to separate items in a list or is used when u pause for a short while. A semicolon can be used to separate two independent clauses. a clause is a group of words that contain a subject and verb. Independent clauses are clauses which can stand by themselves and express a complete thought.For e.g. Mary is good at math; she has been learning it for years. in this sentence Mary is good at math and she has been learning it for years are independent clauses. They are connected by a semi colon. Another e.g. Scientists prefer nuclear power; environmentalists oppose the use of it. The 2 independent clauses are connectecd by a semi colon.
Hope u are now clear where to use a comma and where to use a semicolon.
2007-02-27 21:57:29 · answer #3 · answered by sanjay_tandon9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In letter
1.Dear sir,
comma is used as paused when you mention something about a word: noun, things, etc.
semi-colon is used when series of words or phrase or clauses are mentioned. Example: In logic we consider the following: principles of the study; law of variables; thesis and hypothesis. something to that effect. semi-colon is preceded by colon.
2007-02-27 21:51:38 · answer #4 · answered by wilma m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
comma - for pausing
Semi colon - Just before you write a list such as - we went to the shop and bought; sausages, bread, butter, crisps and chocolate.
Thats what I got told by an A-level english teacher anyway
2007-02-28 23:09:30 · answer #5 · answered by ***AmeLiE *** 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my tip: forget the semi colons and only use comma's and points.
2007-02-27 21:47:37 · answer #6 · answered by Worthless 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a look at Lyn Truss's book about punctuation - she explains it all wonderfully. "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" I think it's called.
2007-02-27 21:48:04 · answer #7 · answered by Roxy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋