How To Use Commas And Semicolons In A List
They show that clauses are related in meaning.
How to use commas and semicolons in a list. When to use a dash or dashes the dash or more specifically the em dash is perhaps the most versatile of the punctuation marks. Colons are used in sentences to show that something is following like a quotation example or list. It is usual to use commas to separate the items in a list. Comma use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions. A comma or a semicolon.
To help separate items in a list when some of those items already contain commas. For example this summary could say semicolons are useful. Suppose i want to list three items that i bought at the grocery store. Place a comma between each item in the list unless you are writing in associated press style. John simon and toby.
That being said we ll just mention that sometimes depending on the communicator the format and the audience semicolons might be used to separate items in longer sentences or passages of text. The choice is yours. Colons can introduce a list while commas are used to separate items in a list. Semicolons separate independent clauses that are related in meaning and they separate items in a list when those items themselves are long or include commas. Sleeping bag pillow pyjamas water bottle waterproof jacket.
In a sentence i would separate these items with commas. Let s look at an example as that is the easiest way to understand this use of the semicolon. I bought apples grapes and pears. And but for or nor so yet. She likes chocolate vanilla strawberry and pistachio ice cream.
Depending on the circumstances one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence. We would recommend that commas be used rather than semicolons to separate the items in this list because the items themselves do not contain commas. Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences. Semicolons help divide listed items that each contain commas.