Semicolon Rules: How to Use the Semicolon when Writing in English | Punctuation Essentials | ESL

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  • Опубліковано 7 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 545

  • @SparkleEnglish
    @SparkleEnglish  4 роки тому +60

    Quick Reference Links:
    0:57 - Introduction to Semicolons
    1:37 - Rule 1: Use a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses
    5:06 - Rule 2: Use semicolons between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb
    7:58 - Rule 3: Use semicolons between items in a series containing internal punctuation
    12:40 - Semicolon Practice: Which of these sentences requires semicolons?

    • @heronescala1005
      @heronescala1005 3 роки тому +7

      I'm going to order fish and he is going to order steak.(Why there is no comma before "and"mam ).

    • @santhikakara2380
      @santhikakara2380 3 роки тому +1

      I get 5 correct Mam thank you.

    • @shanikajacobs5992
      @shanikajacobs5992 3 роки тому +2

      I absolutely love your videos! I can't tell you thank you enough 😊

    • @sumitabhowmick1816
      @sumitabhowmick1816 3 роки тому +1

      Thank you mam for your precious lesson ❤️😇

    • @raretv24
      @raretv24 3 роки тому +2

      @@heronescala1005 you may or may not put comma

  • @lynettehawken4617
    @lynettehawken4617 2 роки тому +59

    I wish more students had a teacher like you to explain this information as clearly and easily as you have! Thanks for this site to help those who haven’t been taught this information in a way they could understand!!!🙏🏻😉

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  2 роки тому +3

      You are so sweet! Thank you, Lynette. 🥰

    • @davemccage7918
      @davemccage7918 Рік тому +1

      @@SparkleEnglishI could have dropped out of just English class in 5th grade and just watched your videos and been better for it.

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  Рік тому

      @@davemccage7918 Thank you so much for your kind words! 😍

    • @gilbertmercado3564
      @gilbertmercado3564 11 місяців тому

      I agree with you. It really depends upon the teacher.

    • @youngchung7807
      @youngchung7807 5 місяців тому

      You are the best!

  • @timn.5029
    @timn.5029 Рік тому +5

    You're an asset to the literature community. Especially those of us with ADHD: as mentioned in my comment in your colon definition video. I too was a victim of the proverbial lazy English teacher. I'd have never know if I hadn't watched these videos while doing refresher courses to go back to college 15 years after graduating high school. What a relief.

  • @fepeerreview3150
    @fepeerreview3150 2 роки тому +2

    This channel is an invaluable resource; and that this information is available for free makes it available to everybody!

  • @asa9593
    @asa9593 Рік тому +2

    Thanks, Sparkle! You are a true contributor to society.

  • @shahzadali9693
    @shahzadali9693 3 роки тому +18

    'Comma' and ' period' were the only punctuations I knew somehow before watching your well-explained videos about the use of ': ', '-' & '; '. I am now confident to use all of them together to produce impressive writing effectively while being on-job as well as off-job. A load of thanks to you. Pls. keep loading such videos to help dummies like me - those who have still not subscribed to or watched 'Sparkle English'.

  • @slimesatisfy5503
    @slimesatisfy5503 4 роки тому +27

    I am a native English speak, but your video's have really helped improve my written English skills.
    Thank you for all the free very valuable videos you make, you're changing lives! God bless you.

  • @SShowkeen
    @SShowkeen 8 місяців тому +2

    I'm binge-watching all your videos. I'm truly grateful. Thanks for putting in the time to show us all these different examples than can be applicable in our daily written conversations.

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  8 місяців тому

      Thank you for your wonderful words!! 💞

  • @davidcartwright8571
    @davidcartwright8571 2 місяці тому

    I just wish that I would have had teachers that were as easy to understand as you are when I was in school. You break it all down so even my 74 year-old mind can comprehend it.
    Thank you!

  • @MariaBartsch-x9y
    @MariaBartsch-x9y 4 місяці тому +1

    English is my second language, and listening to your videos has helped me a lot to improve my writing, I love how very well they are explained, thank you.😊

  • @devashikajayamanna2255
    @devashikajayamanna2255 7 місяців тому +1

    This is the second time I am watching this video. You are such an awesome teacher I have ever met. ❤

  • @CallmeKaram
    @CallmeKaram 4 роки тому +14

    I was constantly being declined for the transcriber tests. I had thought that I was doing everything correctly but infact I was making grave grammatical mistakes.
    So greatful to have found your channel. It really helps me a lot.

  • @alyssapopovtls9920
    @alyssapopovtls9920 2 роки тому +1

    I appreciate your hospitality in teaching me how to accurately and efficiently implement a semicolon; I thank you.

  • @richardtitus-glover8951
    @richardtitus-glover8951 3 роки тому +10

    Honestly, you’re a great teacher. You make learning so exciting.

  • @captainkeyboard1007
    @captainkeyboard1007 2 місяці тому

    This lesson is appropriate for keyboarding sentences properly by using more punctuation marks and symbols. Your lessons are "spot-on." I am not too old to learn more about English, since it was my favorite subject in high school. The semi-colon is a very good punctuation mark; therefore, I have been using it independently.❤

  • @wilfredotrinidad1809
    @wilfredotrinidad1809 Рік тому +2

    Excellent and clear lesson. Thank you for preparing so well and your interest in teaching others.

  • @keniza999
    @keniza999 4 роки тому +56

    Another awesome lesson; thank you! Please cover: "how to use the dash or hyphen".

  • @jboone4354
    @jboone4354 2 роки тому +2

    I love how simplistic these videos are.

  • @agatacebartowska7374
    @agatacebartowska7374 4 роки тому +44

    I never realized how terrible I am at punctuation. Not anymore! Thank you so so so much for your videos

  • @jamesb5799
    @jamesb5799 3 роки тому +6

    I love this lesson; I understand your teaching.
    Thank you Ms. Jennifer!

  • @deshave5260
    @deshave5260 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you so much for this. I am currently undertaking a proofreading course, and the semicolon is my nemesis. Your concise, easy-to-understand instructions have helped me to understand the semicolon and its usage.

  • @felisbertoromao7777
    @felisbertoromao7777 5 місяців тому

    You are the epitome of an English teacher.

  • @everest4122
    @everest4122 2 роки тому +1

    I regret that I have found this channel too later. Now, I understand why my English teacher yelled at me all the time about my wiring.

  • @marief4014
    @marief4014 4 роки тому +5

    Linguistics was, by far, one of my fav classes! Good for you.

  • @remazeldagirl2673
    @remazeldagirl2673 Рік тому +1

    OMG I have discovered a real gem in your videos. Going through a legal transcription and many of us are struggling w/commas and other punctuation. This has been so helpful to me!!! Already watched comma one and now on to the next after this. THANK YOU.

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  Рік тому

      YAY! Comments like this make me so happy! I love to teach and am so glad these videos have been useful!

  • @godwinedward3410
    @godwinedward3410 Рік тому

    Thank you so much. I got it all.
    I used to find it difficult to follow through a class, because it'd get to a point were I can't comprehend anymore, it makes me loose interest in a class, but i followed you all through, because of your interesting class nature. Weldon

  • @ArtemHahauz-nm7bk
    @ArtemHahauz-nm7bk 8 місяців тому

    I'm truly in awe; you managed to clarify this confusing and complicated point as easily as pie!
    Thank you so much!
    Regards from Ukraine!

  • @elsastewart833
    @elsastewart833 2 роки тому +1

    Great explanation, you're a great teacher with a very pleasant voice!

  • @hudamohammedelzehery8216
    @hudamohammedelzehery8216 2 роки тому +4

    You are really excellent.
    Semicolons are not that easy.
    But you have made it clear and easy.
    Thanks a lot.

  • @j-yjyh8521
    @j-yjyh8521 Рік тому

    I am subscribing because of the 10:00-12:00 segment presenting the semicolon in a "hierarchical" context. I had never seen it explained this way and really enjoyed the presentation. Thank you!

  • @albieh2563
    @albieh2563 Рік тому

    I am 79, and have been putting spaces after semicolons my whole llife. Love your videos.

  • @johneshrati6464
    @johneshrati6464 2 роки тому

    Absolutely love your instructional videos. English is my second language and as I was watching this episode it made me wish you were my teacher. 55 years have past since my attempt to learn proper English at schools and college and to the best of my recollection no one has come close to your presentation in a simple to understand.
    You have no idea how much I appreciate your videos and instructional techniques.
    🙏

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  2 роки тому

      This makes me SO pleased to hear, John! I would never have guessed that English is not your first English. You have an outstanding level!

  • @ADR-j9m
    @ADR-j9m 2 роки тому

    Wow! I just discovered you channel. I have been an attorney for 35 years and know the value of precise communication. To tell the truth, I have always been baffled by some of the more subtle grammar rules. I am going to binge your content, subscribe to your channel and referrer it to the colleagues I like.

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Alan! I appreciate the support. 😊😊

  • @sebastianceballosrestrepo9417
    @sebastianceballosrestrepo9417 8 місяців тому

    ¡Gracias! I am from Colombia , and you are helping me a lot.

  • @englishforre.1458
    @englishforre.1458 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you Madam for teaching about semi colon.
    It was a great teaching

  • @AliceEvans-jy3mo
    @AliceEvans-jy3mo Рік тому

    Thank you very. I'm studying functional skills english, and I funding had, but your teaching helping me. I'm taking my exams next month on writing : reading this will help me a lots .I will listen to all your teaching. Many thanks 😊

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  Рік тому

      You can do it! Best of luck on your exams next month!

  • @dawoodali7610
    @dawoodali7610 2 роки тому

    You are on the righest track,your videos are amazing, you are the best teacher I have ever taught by. Hope soon you will be the most watched teacher on UA-cam.

  • @knowingthat8628
    @knowingthat8628 Рік тому

    Wow, the best English classes on UA-cam! ❤

  • @cinegolem9503
    @cinegolem9503 2 роки тому

    Thank you, your explanations are clear and concise.
    Armed with this and the what you taught about commas, I hereby dub the second to last "Oxford semicolon" in the rule about divisions/associations as optional! Who's with me?!!? 😁

  • @Novacification
    @Novacification 4 місяці тому

    This was amazing! I'm nearing 40 but, having had undiagnosed ADD for the first 37 years of my life, there were a lot of things that didn't stick the first time. Grammar has always been something that people are quick to dismiss as irrelevant; however, I don't see why you shouldn't try to improve, if you're doing something incorrectly. It's difficult to get grammar right when English is a second language. For instance, I didn't know you add a comma before and in list form; we don't do that in Danish. These small differences can be difficult to keep track of. This video is so comprehensive, yet it gets straight to the point. It's honestly the perfect bite sized lesson. I can't even think of anything that could be improved.
    I expect your videos will become my main reference for correcting my grammar. I'm sure I have plenty to work on ;)

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  4 місяці тому +1

      Thank you so much for your kind words and appreciation! You are very well-spoken. 😊

  • @kenny99a123
    @kenny99a123 3 роки тому +2

    I got all except # 4 wow that one was hard. I love this channel you give very good explanation on punctuation which helps me for my English 101 class. Thank you!

  • @kevinbellissimo6650
    @kevinbellissimo6650 2 роки тому

    Thanks!

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  2 роки тому

      I just noticed this Super Thanks right now, and I want to give you a big thank you! I appreciate it so much.

  • @dianemouzon7602
    @dianemouzon7602 4 роки тому +4

    You've made using semicolons so clear. Thank ypu!

  • @wellingtonmiddleton3739
    @wellingtonmiddleton3739 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you, Sparkle. Your videos are well explained and easy to understand. I am back in the classroom again; being taught by a great teacher ☺️. Much love from the beautiful, tranquil Islands of The Bahamas 🏝️🌅🏖️🇧🇸

  • @moidulhassan1
    @moidulhassan1 Рік тому

    Ma’am,your video is excellent; your teaching method is very simple to understand.Thanks.

  • @sarojsachdeva2104
    @sarojsachdeva2104 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks a tonne! An incredibly lucid way of explaining the topic.

  • @ssardar8240
    @ssardar8240 2 роки тому

    Best lectures on grammer on whole youtube. You are awesome. Thank you so much

  • @asiriwijesekara3775
    @asiriwijesekara3775 2 роки тому +1

    This video is really valuable for me as other videos. I am learning a lot from this channel and I use these lessons to teach my students as well. Love you Sparkle English and Jennifer.

  • @rafiamadeo5363
    @rafiamadeo5363 Рік тому

    Excellent teacher! I've gotten all of them correct. Thank you.

  • @janakagnanasekara3126
    @janakagnanasekara3126 Рік тому

    I have completly understood, and it is very valuble lesson I have ever watched. To keep on 👍

  • @DailyOpinionsUSA
    @DailyOpinionsUSA Місяць тому

    It is an outstanding lecture and deep explanation.

  • @matthewisawesome
    @matthewisawesome 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the easy to understand explanation! I'll definitely check out your other videos.

  • @bibbles8219
    @bibbles8219 3 роки тому +1

    I love how you break these down! It very easy to understand! Thank you!

  • @buddybuddy1988
    @buddybuddy1988 2 роки тому +1

    This was brilliantly explained ! Thanks a lot !

  • @pentameteriamb6196
    @pentameteriamb6196 2 роки тому

    This is great. Now it's easy to know how to use a semicolon; I've always struggled with the semicolon.

  • @AnnaMae3838
    @AnnaMae3838 Рік тому

    I HAD ALL CORRECT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LESSONS.

  • @megu5469
    @megu5469 3 роки тому

    U r da best english teacher ever

  • @seemsbb.y9237
    @seemsbb.y9237 Рік тому

    Hey! Thank your for this great information! For me, as non-native speaker, it’s very useful.

  • @ShanniBudd
    @ShanniBudd 4 роки тому

    You have made the semi-colon use much clearer; therefore, I will feel more confident using it.

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  4 роки тому +2

      I see you found the video! Perfect use of the semicolon. 😍

  • @zazazouden
    @zazazouden Рік тому

    I love ❤️ the way you explain this. You are an expert.

  • @maggie3315
    @maggie3315 2 роки тому +1

    You have such a soothing voice.💯💯💯💯💯💯❤🧡💛💞

  • @2freakout
    @2freakout Місяць тому

    Great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time🥳

  • @sumitabhowmick1816
    @sumitabhowmick1816 3 роки тому

    May God bless you and your family. ❤️
    You deserve all the praise and blessings and especially love.❤️❤️❤️

  • @prinzonic9896
    @prinzonic9896 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for helping me improve my writing skill.

  • @Arzoovishwakarma28
    @Arzoovishwakarma28 3 роки тому

    Love from India...you are such a polite person as it shows in your explanation....keep it up.. 😀

  • @HolisticCalm
    @HolisticCalm 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for a well-explained and clear video about semicolons!

  • @anaacosta9860
    @anaacosta9860 2 роки тому

    Thank you for your Cleary class. All my answers were correct!

  • @shahowmedia35
    @shahowmedia35 3 роки тому +1

    I got all correct. You're a super teacher. Thank you.

  • @valeriannita9704
    @valeriannita9704 Рік тому +1

    These videos are very good! Thank you! Do you have a video about when to use a dash to link clauses in a sentence?

  • @alieusesay6470
    @alieusesay6470 11 місяців тому

    I got all the exercises correct 🤗. Thank you very much ❤

  • @MargaretSidique-jaiah
    @MargaretSidique-jaiah 10 місяців тому

    Thank for this important lesson in punctuation.

  • @remarose
    @remarose 2 роки тому

    5/5. I am studying for my teas exam. I really appreciate what you are doing. This is something i was skipped in elementary and high school.

  • @63viet
    @63viet 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you!!!! Your teaching is clear and precise. ❤❤❤ 17:33

  • @devashikajayamanna2255
    @devashikajayamanna2255 Рік тому

    5/5 Thank you. Today I learned this lesson very well.

  • @TerryC69
    @TerryC69 Рік тому

    I had five out of five correct; I appreciate your help.

  • @sandibeach7291
    @sandibeach7291 8 місяців тому

    You are OUTSTANDING!

  • @rickymortinson1918
    @rickymortinson1918 2 роки тому +1

    I am writing a letter to the immigrations office as a hopeful sponsor for my European boyfriend. Thank you for helping me improve my writing; it might really help my chances!
    (Please let me know if I used that semicolon incorrectly😅)

  • @faithproverbs
    @faithproverbs 2 роки тому

    thank you ! i got them all right after watching this.

  • @Khaled-db6jp
    @Khaled-db6jp 2 роки тому

    Thanks a lot ; now I can use them confidently !

    • @SparkleEnglish
      @SparkleEnglish  2 роки тому +1

      Awesome, Khlad! One thing important to remember is you don't need to leave spaces before the punctuation mark. So your sentence can be changed to:
      Thanks a lot; now I can use them confidently!
      :)

  • @livewell5522
    @livewell5522 2 роки тому

    You are amazing in explaining,Sparkling teacher 🌹Thank you so very much for putting all efforts to prepare slides and explain so well. ❤ You owe a sweet treat 🎂🍓

  • @HealthyLifestyle-lw8uv
    @HealthyLifestyle-lw8uv 2 роки тому

    I’m a better writer after watch this video. God bless you

  • @nghinyekamunhuphillipus7942

    Many thanks for a great lesson👏👏

  • @glantedavid9728
    @glantedavid9728 Рік тому +1

    She is a genius!

  • @rylancanmakemoorepuns1753
    @rylancanmakemoorepuns1753 2 роки тому

    Thank you, I really needed help with semicolons!

  • @margiepoulos1028
    @margiepoulos1028 2 роки тому

    Great video! Got them all right.

  • @rodriguezlucy5670
    @rodriguezlucy5670 3 роки тому

    I'm following you because your explanation is simple such as excellent. thanks

  • @thestone46
    @thestone46 2 роки тому

    Excellent teaching video; I learned a lot.

  • @jamafarah9135
    @jamafarah9135 3 роки тому

    I like how you teach, pronunciation, and behave all

  • @hadialtayeb254
    @hadialtayeb254 3 роки тому

    I got 5 out 5
    You are a great teacher
    I wish I had had a teacher like you in syria......

  • @Fabsurf101
    @Fabsurf101 2 роки тому

    Great examples and explanations!

  • @luperubio2263
    @luperubio2263 3 місяці тому

    I'm happy to see this video. Thanks 👍

  • @paulettethomas3127
    @paulettethomas3127 3 роки тому

    Thanks, for your explanation; I really like the way you teach. Thanks again

  • @D_SQ
    @D_SQ 4 роки тому +2

    I love these. Make one about hyphens: hyphenated words. If there are general rules that one needs to observe there, I'd very be interested to know them.

  • @santhikakara2380
    @santhikakara2380 3 роки тому

    Thank you Mam . It is very full to written communication. I am from India.

  • @xxdodoxx5662
    @xxdodoxx5662 2 роки тому

    u helped me sooooooooooo much for my upcoming english final exams in this lesson!!

  • @learningdesignstudios
    @learningdesignstudios 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you for explaining it so well, the semicolon was a mystery to me earlier.
    I have a few quick questions:
    1. For rule 3 examples, which one would be better, using brackets+commas or semicolons+commas(the same way as you explained)? For example: Carl(accountant), Bob(manager), Sparkle(instructor)
    2. As I understood, the semicolon is more about elegance than a necessity: Why would we even use it if the same thing can be expressed using other forms of popular punctuations?

  • @EjenLodoLodo
    @EjenLodoLodo 6 місяців тому

    Vry good Teacher. Easy to catch.

  • @ramonanog5108
    @ramonanog5108 2 роки тому

    100% Thank you so much😘....greetings from Germany

  • @satyabahore
    @satyabahore Рік тому

    Ma'am ur teaching is awesome

  • @labellelandy3707
    @labellelandy3707 10 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for this video cause I always get stuff like this in my ACT and SAT test but I never know which one to use.