"How to use" is a broad request, but commonly refers to using punctuation like the semicolon (;) to connect related complete sentences or separate items in complex lists, or using a colon (:) to introduce lists, explanations, or quotes, with semicolons linking closely related ideas and colons showing introduction or clarification. To use them effectively, remember semicolons join independent clauses not joined by a conjunction (like 'and' or 'but'), while colons point forward to what follows.
A semicolon is a punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely two related independent clauses in a single sentence when discussing the same topic or contrasting two similar ideas. The connection between the two independent clauses should always be apparent without a coordinating conjunction like and.
Use a semicolon in compound sentences that are NOT linked by a conjunction (such as "and," "but," "or," "nor," and "yet"). Place a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs (such as "however," "hence," "therefore," "nevertheless," and "consequently") in most complex sentences containing two or more clauses.
Dashes function in two ways: to signal interruptions in a sentence (basically like parentheses), and to connect independent clauses. But if the first function can be substituted with parentheses and the second with a semi-colon or conjunction, then why use dashes instead?
A colon (:) is mostly used to present lists and complete quotations. It's also used to introduce clarifying examples or definitions or elaborate on a previous statement. A semicolon (;) is used to join two related independent clauses, with or without a conjunctive adverb that's followed by a comma.
The symbol (;) is a semicolon, a punctuation mark used to connect two closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list that already contains commas. It looks like a comma with a period above it, indicating it's stronger than a comma but weaker than a period, showing a closer link between ideas.
Colons
Once used as the equivalent of the modern period and comma, the slash is now used to represent division and fractions, as a date separator, in between multiple alternative or related terms, and to indicate abbreviation.
An em dash derives its name from being the approximate width of a capital M. It can function like a comma, parenthesis, or colon. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes often set off descriptive or parenthetical information.
An em dash can also be used to mark a break in a sentence in place of a semicolon or colon. In this context, dashes are often used for emphasis or to signal a change in tone: There was no arguing with her—she was set in her opinion.
Use the semicolon to separate the independent clauses, then slip in a transitional phrase and comma after the semicolon.
What are the 14 punctuation marks?
The semi-colon can be used for lists where some things in the list contain commas. Most commonly, it is used to attach two independent clauses that are closely connected to one another. That is to say, it connects two complete sentences into one sentence.
Use a semicolon when you link two related independent clauses with no connecting words, e.g.:
How do you use the word when in a sentence? The word when is used to refer to the time at which an event occurs. It is certain that the event is expected to happen, and when connects the timing of events in the main clause and the subordinate clause. It is often used in questions to ask about the time of an event.
Its (without an apostrophe) is a possessive pronoun, like his or her, for nouns that don't have a defined gender. It's (with an apostrophe) is the shortened form, or contraction, of it is or it has.
A hyphen ( - ) is used to link parts of a compound word. This includes most dual heritages (Mexican-American), and all words in a compound modifier except "very" and adverbs that end in "ly." (The Broncos scored a first-quarter touchdown.)
Notwithstanding its versatility, the em dash is best limited to two appearances per sentence. Otherwise, confusion rather than clarity is likely to result. Do not mistake the em dash (—) for the slightly narrower en dash (–) or the even narrower hyphen (-).
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
Double Backslashes (\\)
Two backslashes are used as a prefix to a server name (hostname) on the local network. For example, \\server2\c\expenses is the path to the EXPENSES folder on the C: drive on server 2. See UNC, \\ and forward slash.
Most newspapers insert a space before and after the dash, and many popular magazines do the same, but most books and journals omit spacing, closing whatever comes before and after the em dash right up next to it.
Often, when a slash is used in a formal or informal text, it is meant to indicate the word or. The examples below illustrate this meaning of the forward slash: When leaving the classroom, the teacher noticed that a student had left his/her backpack.
The main difference between the two punctuation marks is that a semicolon (;) is only used to separate independent clauses that are related, whereas a colon (:) is primarily used to introduce lists and quotations, among other uses. A colon can also be used to separate independent clauses.
Here are some examples of how they fit in sentences:
Avoid common errors using the colon.
A colon must be preceded by a full independent clause. Therefore avoid using it between a verb and its object or complement, between a preposition and its object, and after such as, including, or for example.