Use “a” or “an” if the title is not a specific title Use “the” if a specific person has a title or if only one person has a title Don’t Use “a,” “an,” or “the” if the person’s name is given Use “the” if the name of the country is plural or indicates a group (of states, islands, etc)
How do we use a semicolon?
Rules for Using Semicolons A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases
Where use an and an?
The indefinite article an is used to make pronunciation easier when reading a text aloud The general rule is to use a when the indefinite article precedes a word beginning with a consonant sound and an when it precedes a word starting with a vowel sound
How do you use dashes correctly?
Dashes To set off material for emphasis Think of dashes as the opposite of parentheses To indicate sentence introductions or conclusions To mark “bonus phrases” Phrases that add information or clarify but are not necessary to the meaning of a sentence are ordinarily set off with commas To break up dialogue
What are the punctuation marks?
There are 14 punctuation marks that are used in the English language They are: the period, question mark, exclamation point, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, brackets, braces, parentheses, apostrophe, quotation mark, and ellipsis
Does a semicolon mean or?
Most commonly, the semicolon is used between two independent clauses (ie, clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) when a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) is omitted
What is a semicolon example?
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
How do you use an in a sentence?
The real rule is that you have to use “an” in a sentence when a word has a vowel sound at the beginning For words with vowels at the beginning that sound like consonants, such as the “u” in unicorn, use “a” instead
When we have to use a an the?
Use “a” or “an” if the title is not a specific title Use “the” if a specific person has a title or if only one person has a title Don’t Use “a,” “an,” or “the” if the person’s name is given Use “the” if the name of the country is plural or indicates a group (of states, islands, etc)
How do you use a dash in a sentence?
Dash Use a dash to show a pause or break in meaning in the middle of a sentence: My brothers—Richard and John—are visiting Hanoi Use a dash to show an afterthought: Use a dash like a colon to introduce a list: Use a dash to show that letters or words are missing:
Why use a dash in a sentence?
The dash (—) is a mark of punctuation used to set off a word or phrase after an independent clause or a parenthetical remark (words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence) “A dash is a mark of separation stronger than a comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than parentheses”May 30, 2019
How do you use brackets?
Rules for using brackets [ ] Use brackets to indicate you have inserted your own words into a quotation Jim said, “She [Julie] finished the report last week” Use [sic] to show an error in a quotation Use brackets to insert information within parentheses Use brackets to insert stage direction into a play
Is Hyphen a punctuation mark?
What Is a Hyphen? A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words It’s not interchangeable with other types of dashes
What is the period and comma called?
Punctuation is the name for marks used in writing text These are some common punctuation marks used in English: is a period or full stop , is a comma
What is the difference between comma and period?
Key difference: The comma and period are distinguished with reference to their functions Comma is used to connect the elements, whereas period is used to end the sentence Categories of the same type can be represented together with the help of a comma The period is used to join short sentences
Can a semicolon replace a period?
Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression, such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore
What is semicolon tattoo?
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
How much is a semicolon tattoo?
Many people who struggle with depression or self-harm have embraced the symbol, while others chose the tattoo to show support for others who have faced suicidal thoughts The tattoo cost $50, but the shop is only taking $5 to cover the cost of supplies
How do you use a semicolon in a sentence examples?
Semicolons Separate Clauses 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
How do you use a semicolon in a list examples?
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
Did I use a semicolon correctly checker?
If you want to check whether or not you’re using a semicolon correctly, just read the two clauses on their own and see if they make sense If they don’t, it’s a miss A semicolon fixes that because it allows the independent clauses to stand on their own, while still showing that they’re connected