Puncuation

Question

where is it appropriate to use a semi colon ?which comes first? a comma, and then a semi colon? or a semi colon, and then a comma?thanks!

Mr Wordy · Accepted Answer

justwritewhere is it appropriate to use a semi colon ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semicolon#English_usage

justwritewhich comes first?

"first" in what sense?

Avangi · Answer

Welcome to English Forums, justwrite. Thanks for joining us! [<:o)]

Best wishes, - A.

Justwrite · Answer

Hi,

thanks for your response.

This may or may not be used in the correct way in which my question refers to and that's why I was asking the question, but let me try and give you an example of what I mean by which comes first, a comma, or a semicolon:

People often ask for advice in this department, yet; do not always heed the advice given.

or is it:

People often ask for advice in this department; yet, do not always heed the advice given.

As you see, in the first example, the comma is used, and then a semicolon. Whereas, in the second example the semicolon is used first and then a comma. Whether the sentence structure calls for this type of puncuation or not, what I want to know is, when it IS called for, which is the correct way of using it? a comma, then a semicolon? or a semicolon, then a comma ?

thanks!

Justwrite · Answer

thank you for the warm welcome! <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Mr Wordy · Answer

The semicolon in your sentence isn't right. This is because the two parts (before and after the semicolon) don't stand as self-contained clauses. In sentences where a semicolon is appropriate, there is no specific rule about whether it comes before or after a comma. There may be commas before and/or after a semicolon, depending on whether they are required in the respective clauses. For example:

"People often ask for advice in this department; however, they do not always heed the advice given."

"People often ask for food, cigarettes or money; this is is not acceptable."

In the first sentence the comma is present because it is required in "however, they do not always heed the advice given", irrespective of the semicolon. In the second sentence the comma is present because it is required in "People often ask for food, cigarettes or money", irrespective of the semicolon.

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