Semicolons should never be placed before:*1 pointWords beginning with a capitalCoordinating conjunctionsVerbsAdjectives
Question
Semicolons should never be placed before:*1 pointWords beginning with a capitalCoordinating conjunctionsVerbsAdjectives
Solution
Semicolons should never be placed before coordinating conjunctions.
Here's why:
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A semicolon is used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used, it indicates that the two sentences are of equal importance.
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Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) are used to connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal importance as well.
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Therefore, if you use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction, it would be redundant because both the semicolon and the conjunction are doing the same job of connecting two independent clauses.
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However, there are instances where a semicolon can be used before a coordinating conjunction. This is when you have a complex sentence with multiple clauses and commas, and you want to clearly indicate the major breaks in the sentence. In this case, the semicolon acts as a 'super comma'.
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But in general writing, it's best to avoid using a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction.
Similar Questions
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The first and most common use of a semicolon is to join what together? aa dependent clause with an independent clause. btwo complete sentences that are related. csimilar ideas dtwo fragmented thoughts to make a complete sentence.
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