punctuation - How does one correctly use a semicolon?


How does one correctly use a semicolon? It is probably one of the more difficult punctuation marks to master in my opinion.



Answer



Yes, it is so complicated that you want a clear, concise, and humorous but useful explanation like this:



When dinosaurs agree on something, they often high-five one another; dinosaurs are all about high-fives.



If you'd used a comma in this sentence, it would have resulted in a comma splice. If you'd used a period, you'd lose the connection between the two clauses.


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