What are the two rules about semicolon usage?

Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes.

• Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses.
• Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon.
• Use Semicolons in a Serial List.
• Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs.
• Use a Semicolon to Give a Wily Wink.

What do two semicolons mean?

The semicolon or semi-colon ; is a symbol commonly used as orthographic punctuation. When a semicolon joins two or more ideas in one sentence, those ideas are then given equal rank.

How many semicolons is too many?

When used to link clauses – generally, more than one is too many. When used as a list separator, it’s the list that drives that decision, not the semicolons.

Can you have 2 colons in one sentence?

Colons have a number of functions in a sentence. If you use colons in your writing, use them sparingly, and never use a colon more than once in any sentence.

Are semi colons bad?

First, semicolons can be used to separate items that are too unwieldy to be handled by mere commas. Think about what might define “closely related” and you’ll start to see why, in this job, semicolons are bad news. In any paragraph of three sentences, you could argue that two are more closely related than the third.

How often can I use a semicolon?

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 a semicolon sentence?

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.