How to Use a Semicolon
Write one complete sentence., Write another closely related sentence., Connect the sentences with a semicolon.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Write one complete sentence.
A complete sentence must contain a subject and a verb and be a complete thought.
The subject is the person, place, or thing that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that is being performed in the sentence.
Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night." -
Step 2: Write another closely related sentence.
This sentence must be strongly related to the first sentence for the semicolon to work.
Ex: "She had too much on her mind."
Remember to make the first letter of the second sentence lowercase.
Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night; she had too much on her mind." -
Step 3: Connect the sentences with a semicolon.
Detailed Guide
A complete sentence must contain a subject and a verb and be a complete thought.
The subject is the person, place, or thing that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that is being performed in the sentence.
Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night."
This sentence must be strongly related to the first sentence for the semicolon to work.
Ex: "She had too much on her mind."
Remember to make the first letter of the second sentence lowercase.
Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night; she had too much on her mind."
About the Author
Brian Shaw
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in organization and beyond.
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