Are semicolons informal?

A semicolon is a punctuation mark that separates independent clauses, or to repair a comma splice. As it suggests a close link between two clauses, it appears mostly in academic writing. However, is not popularly used in informal prose writing.

When should semi colons not be used?

Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a semicolon.

Should you avoid colons in formal writing?

It does not matter if you are using the person’s first name, both first and last name, or their title, you should always use a colon if the letter is formal. If the letter is personal, then either a colon or comma is appropriate.

Which punctuation is rarely used in formal writing?

Question and exclamation marks are used to note interrogative and exclamatory sentences. Neither of these punctuation marks are commonly used in academic writing. In general, a writer should not be shouting at the reader in formal writing.

Do you use a comma after a semicolon?

The general answer is no. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym. Remember, semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or periods. Instead, they’re somewhere in between: stronger than a comma but not quite as divisive as a period.

Do you use a comma or a colon after dear?

Here’s the correct punctuation: a comma for a personal letter, a colon for a business letter, and either punctuation mark in an email. (The colon is formal.) But remember: Dear isn’t required in email, even when writing to a stranger.

Do I need to capitalize after a semicolon?

When using a semicolon to join two independent clauses, do not capitalize the first word of the second independent clause unless the word is a proper noun, e.g., The sky is blue; the birds are singing.

Do I capitalize after a colon?

When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun. When a colon introduces a phrase or an incomplete sentence that is meant to add information to the sentence before it, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun.

What is the proper way to use a colon?

between a grammatically complete introductory clause (one that could stand as a sentence) and a final phrase or clause that illustrates, extends, or amplifies the preceding thought. If the clause following the colon is a complete sentence, it begins with a capital letter.

When should you use commas or dashes?

3. To mark “bonus phrases.” Phrases that add information or clarify but are not necessary to the meaning of a sentence are ordinarily set off with commas. But when the phrase itself already contains one or more commas, dashes can help readers understand the sentence.

Can semicolon replace em dash?

Don’t replace the second em-dash (as some tend to) with a comma or semicolon. Then replace the em-dashes with parentheses and reread the sentence without adding any emphasis to the phrase in parentheses.