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Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 24 Aug 2020, 11:57
by emidio125
The use and comma of semicolons is one things that I suffer with while writing my reviews or writing my texts. Even though I try hard to overcome this problem, at some point I end up repeating the mistake again. So my fellows I would like you to help with explanations on when to commas or semicolons.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 31 Mar 2021, 18:33
by NerdyVicky
I found this post because I have the same problem. I'll be checking this space for answers on when to use a comma and a semicolon. I feel like I overuse commas and have no idea where to use a semicolon. No matter how much I read about commas and semicolons, I just don't get it.
I really hope I get answers here. Thank you for starting this thread Emidio 125. Let's hope someone comes along with answers.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 01 Apr 2021, 11:39
by MrsCatInTheHat
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑31 Mar 2021, 18:33
I found this post because I have the same problem. I'll be checking this space for answers on when to use a comma and a semicolon. I feel like I overuse commas and have no idea where to use a semicolon. No matter how much I read about commas and semicolons, I just don't get it.
I really hope I get answers here. Thank you for starting this thread Emidio 125. Let's hope someone comes along with answers.
I would suggest learning more about commas and semicolons by looking here:
https://www.thepunctuationguide.com/index.html
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 02 Apr 2021, 00:52
by MsH2k
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑31 Mar 2021, 18:33
I feel like I overuse commas and have no idea where to use a semicolon. No matter how much I read about commas and semicolons, I just don't get it.
I had that same problem with semicolons! After I researched the semicolon rules, I studied the reviews of an experienced OBC reviewer who had excellent grammar skills. (They still do!

) Most of their reviews included at least one semicolon. It helped to see the semicolon used in the context of a review; it was interesting to note how they balanced using a semicolon vs two separate sentences or combining the clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction. I kept going back over their reviews until it finally clicked. That worked well for me. I haven’t had any reservations about using semicolons since then.
Hope this helps!
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 07 Apr 2021, 07:37
by NerdyVicky
MrsCatInTheHat wrote: ↑01 Apr 2021, 11:39
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑31 Mar 2021, 18:33
I found this post because I have the same problem. I'll be checking this space for answers on when to use a comma and a semicolon. I feel like I overuse commas and have no idea where to use a semicolon. No matter how much I read about commas and semicolons, I just don't get it.
I really hope I get answers here. Thank you for starting this thread Emidio 125. Let's hope someone comes along with answers.
I would suggest learning more about commas and semicolons by looking here:
https://www.thepunctuationguide.com/index.html
Thank you so much. I'll be sure to check it out.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 07 Apr 2021, 07:44
by NerdyVicky
MsH2k wrote: ↑02 Apr 2021, 00:52
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑31 Mar 2021, 18:33
I feel like I overuse commas and have no idea where to use a semicolon. No matter how much I read about commas and semicolons, I just don't get it.
I had that same problem with semicolons! After I researched the semicolon rules, I studied the reviews of an experienced OBC reviewer who had excellent grammar skills. (They still do!

) Most of their reviews included at least one semicolon. It helped to see the semicolon used in the context of a review; it was interesting to note how they balanced using a semicolon vs two separate sentences or combining the clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction. I kept going back over their reviews until it finally clicked. That worked well for me. I haven’t had any reservations about using semicolons since then.
Hope this helps!
Yes it does. But could you please suggest these reviewers you studied so I can also stalk them for grammatical purposes only?

Thank you so much.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 07 Apr 2021, 08:59
by MsH2k
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑07 Apr 2021, 07:44
MsH2k wrote: ↑02 Apr 2021, 00:52
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑31 Mar 2021, 18:33
I feel like I overuse commas and have no idea where to use a semicolon. No matter how much I read about commas and semicolons, I just don't get it.
I had that same problem with semicolons! After I researched the semicolon rules, I studied the reviews of an experienced OBC reviewer who had excellent grammar skills. (They still do!

) Most of their reviews included at least one semicolon. It helped to see the semicolon used in the context of a review; it was interesting to note how they balanced using a semicolon vs two separate sentences or combining the clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction. I kept going back over their reviews until it finally clicked. That worked well for me. I haven’t had any reservations about using semicolons since then.
Hope this helps!
Yes it does. But could you please suggest these reviewers you studied so I can also stalk them for grammatical purposes only?

Thank you so much.

Aah, there are many excellent reviewers here! The beauty of the experience is discovering them. Featured reviewers and Members of the Month are good candidates to check out to begin your search. All the best!
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 07 Apr 2021, 09:37
by MrsCatInTheHat
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑07 Apr 2021, 07:44
MsH2k wrote: ↑02 Apr 2021, 00:52
NerdyVicky wrote: ↑31 Mar 2021, 18:33
I feel like I overuse commas and have no idea where to use a semicolon. No matter how much I read about commas and semicolons, I just don't get it.
I had that same problem with semicolons! After I researched the semicolon rules, I studied the reviews of an experienced OBC reviewer who had excellent grammar skills. (They still do!

) Most of their reviews included at least one semicolon. It helped to see the semicolon used in the context of a review; it was interesting to note how they balanced using a semicolon vs two separate sentences or combining the clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction. I kept going back over their reviews until it finally clicked. That worked well for me. I haven’t had any reservations about using semicolons since then.
Hope this helps!
Yes it does. But could you please suggest these reviewers you studied so I can also stalk them for grammatical purposes only?

Thank you so much.
I would suggest reading several Featured Reviews.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 12 Aug 2021, 16:17
by Acalaue João
Apart from the grammatical rules to use semicolons, I normally use one trick of mine. in phrases that I cant use commas or periods, I use semicolons.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 02 Nov 2021, 08:46
by Acalaue João
The semicolon is like the cousin of the comma; you must use it to join phases that are related but are not dependent on one another. Most of the time it is used to connect two independent sentences that are related. I normally use control whether the second sentence is emphasizing the first in somehow then I use the semicolon.
Hope I could help
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 14 Dec 2021, 10:51
by Charlize Venter
For the comma, have a look at Scott's post on International Grammar.
For the semicolon, simply put: it has more power than the comma but does not have the finality of the full stop. it is meant to link two sentences that will benefit from each other.
I always think of the semicolon becoming a symbol for those who survived suicide: it goes on despite it all.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 29 Jan 2022, 14:50
by Asya Shpakovskaya
Emidio Mikwate wrote: ↑02 Nov 2021, 08:46
The semicolon is like the cousin of the comma; you must use it to join phases that are related but are not dependent on one another. Most of the time it is used to connect two independent sentences that are related. I normally use control whether the second sentence is emphasizing the first in somehow then I use the semicolon.
Hope I could help
I'd agree with Emidio. In my native language I've seen a lot of semicolons being used, however English authors prefer suprisingly rare usage of any punctuation marks, as it seems to me

I would use semicolons in cases where you are more likely to put a period, regardless you want to keep both parts in one sentence.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 02 Feb 2022, 08:06
by sayoniwrites
Semi-colon is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full stop.
Use commas in lists or to separate things/words/phrases. A semicolon is mostly a full stop with less force. You can use it when you want to separate complete sentences but still maintain a link between the corresponding sentences.
The apple was red, round, and shiny.
I like apples; I always carry them in my backpack.
Re: Comma versus semicolons.
Posted: 08 Feb 2022, 08:44
by Samuel Mamo
I didn't know there are also number of guys with the same problem. I always feel inconfident when i use semi-colon.
Thank you for your advices and tips.
I expect more of the explanations guys!