As a writer, mastering the use of punctuation marks such as the period and is crucial. The period is a simple punctuation mark; it is used to signify the end of a sentence. On the other hand, the semicolon is a bit more complicated. It connects two independent clauses and is often used to replace a conjunction. In this article, we’ll give you a brief guide on how to use these essential punctuation marks correctly.

How to Use the Period

The period is one of the easiest punctuation marks to use. It signifies the end of a complete thought, meaning you use it when the sentence is complete thought. It can be used to end a declarative sentence, which makes a statement, or an imperative sentence, which gives an order. It can also be used to end an exclamatory sentence, which shows excitement or emphasis. A period is used after abbreviations and initials, e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.

To give clarity to your writing, it is essential to use the period correctly. Every full sentence should end with a period – that’s what it’s there for! The period ensures that sentences don’t run on, which can be confusing for the reader.

How to Use the Semicolon

A semicolon is more complicated than the period, but once you understand its use, it can significantly improve the flow of your writing. The semicolon is used to join two independent clauses that are related to each other but could stand alone as separate sentences.

A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence is called an independent clause. For example, “He went to the store,” is an independent clause. When two independent but related clauses are joined by a semicolon, it forms a compound sentence.

Using a semicolon instead of a conjunction (such as and, but, or, so) can make your writing more sophisticated, but this should be done with care. Avoid overusing semicolons as it can make your writing seem disjointed and convoluted.

Here is an example to illustrate the use of the semicolon, “I have a lot of work to do; I will get started as soon as possible.” As you can see, the two clauses are related, and the semicolon indicates that they belong together.

It is essential to note that the use of a semicolon is not necessary; you can always use a period or conjunction. A semicolon adds to your writing when used appropriately.

Conclusion

The period and semicolon are essential punctuation marks that make writing clearer and more concise. Knowing how to use them correctly makes your writing more professional and easier to understand. Remember to use a period to end every complete thought and use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses.

Practice writing sentences with both punctuation marks until you feel confident in your ability to use them correctly. Good punctuation not only helps your writing look polished but also makes it easier to communicate your thoughts effectively.

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