Do You Use A Colon Or Semicolon For A List?

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This time, the list items themselves contain commas. It is now appropriate to use semicolons as separators to outrank those commas. For example: I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East.

Do lists have semicolons?

Semicolons were traditionally used in lists to separate each bullet point, but although this is still correct, they are not used as often today. … put a semicolon at the end of each point; use ‘and’ after the second-to-last point; and. finish with a full stop.

Do you use semicolons in a bulleted list?

Use a period or other full stop after every bullet that is a sentence. … Don’t use a period after bullet lists that are not complete sentences or do not complete the opening stem sentence. Don’t use semicolons to end punctuation. Use either all full sentences in your bullet lists or all fragments.

Where do you put semicolons?

Using Semicolons

  1. A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. …
  2. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.

Can I use semicolons to separate items in a list?

Use a semicolon to separate items in a list in cases where one or more of the items contains commas or other punctuation. … However, if one or more of these items contain commas, then you should use a semicolon, instead of a comma, to separate the items and avoid potential confusion.

What are some examples of semicolons?

Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.

When should a semicolon be used examples?

Here’s an example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight. The two clauses in that sentence are separated by a semicolon and could be sentences on their own if you put a period between them instead: I have a big test tomorrow.

Do lists need full stops?

If a complete sentence introduces the bulleted list, each item in the list should end with a full stop, not a colon, and each point should begin with a capital letter.

What is the proper way to use a semicolon?

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.

How do you introduce a list?

In-sentence lists

  1. Use a colon to introduce the list items only if a complete sentence precedes the list. …
  2. Use both opening and closing parentheses on the list item numbers or letters: (a) item, (b) item, etc.
  3. Use either regular Arabic numbers or lowercase letters within the parentheses, but use them consistently.

How do you use colons and semicolons?

Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.

What is the main difference between a semicolon and a colon?

Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.

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How do you use a colon in a list examples?

Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare. You need to grab these three things for the laundry: laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.

How do you introduce a list with a colon?

Use a colon before a series or list only if the words that introduce the list make up a complete sentence: To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, leavener, and salt.

What are the three semicolon rules?

Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes.

  • Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses. …
  • Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon. …
  • Use Semicolons in a Serial List. …
  • Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs. …
  • Use a Semicolon to Give a Wily Wink.

Why would you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc.

What are Semicolons meant for?

: a punctuation mark; that can be used to separate parts of a sentence which need clearer separation than would be shown by a comma, to separate main clauses which have no conjunction between, and to separate phrases and clauses containing commas.

Can a semicolon replace Because?

The semicolon allows the writer to imply a relationship between nicely balanced ideas without actually stating that relationship. (Instead of saying because my grandmother is afraid she’ll miss out on something, we have implied the because.

What are 5 examples of compound sentences?

5 Examples of Compound Sentences

  • I want to lose weight, yet I eat chocolate daily.
  • Michael did not like to read. She was not very good at it.
  • Dr. Mark said I could come to his office on Friday or Saturday of next week.
  • My favorite sport is skiing. I am vacationing in Hawaii this winter.

Do you use colon for lists?

It is therefore correct to use a colon before the list. … So if you have a list, remember you only use a colon before it if the list follows a clause that could be used on its own.

What is the rule for items in a series?

COMMA RULE #1 – THE COMMA IN A SERIES: Use commas to separate items in a series. What is a ”series”? A “series” is a list of 3 or more items, the last two of which are joined by and, or, or nor.

How do you punctuate a list of items?

Punctuation is used to separate the items in the list. The usual way of doing this is to place a comma after each item in the list: The school has a vegetable garden in which the children grow cabbages, onions, potatoes, and carrots. The last item in a list is often preceded by the words and or or.

What does the tattoo of a semicolon mean?

A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.

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