# Easy easy english writting question.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 22, 2001, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818 "2001-10-22T06:06:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818/1 "2001-10-22T06:06:53Z")

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When is the proper time to use the ;? I use it sometimes but I doubt I’m using it properly.

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**Author:** ![DPWhite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d26b3c/32.png) [@DPWhite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPWhite)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818/2 "2001-10-22T06:12:01Z")

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It is called a semicolon. You use it to separate clauses that could stand independently of each other, but you want to relate them closer than two sentences. They can also be used to separate a series of clauses.  
The rule of law is sublime; the rule of men is slime.  
There are three important rules of grandma: wipe your feet before you come in; keep your feet off the furniture; and don’t his your brother.

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**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818/3 "2001-10-22T06:29:01Z")

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Cool in that case I guess I do use it properly.

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**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818/4 "2001-10-22T08:27:03Z")

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Did anybody else notice the title of this thread?

Next: Tough speeling questions?

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**Author:** ![11811](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/9d8465/32.png) [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818/5 "2001-10-22T12:01:54Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by DPWhite \*  
> \*\*They can also be used to separate a series of clauses.  
> There are three important rules of grandma: wipe your feet before you come in; keep your feet off the furniture; and don’t his your brother. \*\*

Better to use it to separate a series of clauses at least one of which contains a list separated by commas:

There are three important rules of grandma: wipe your feet before you come in; keep your feet off the bed, couch, and kitchen table; and don’t hit your brother.

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**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-easy-english-writting-question/88818/6 "2001-10-22T15:56:21Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by SHAKES \*  
> Cool in that case I guess I do use it properly.

Because this is a thread specifically asking for grammar help, I will provide the following assistance:

**Cool; in that case, I guess I do use it properly.**

An argument could be made for omitting the comma after “in that case”, but I like it there.