Точка с запятой в английском языке
The semicolon (;) creates a stronger break than a comma but weaker than a period. It connects closely related independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction.
Основное использование
Точки с запятой соединяют два независимых предложения, тесно связанных по смыслу:
Примеры:
- The rain stopped; the sun came out.
- She finished her degree; she immediately found a good job.
Особое использование
1. С соединительными наречиями
При соединении предложений с переходными словами (however, therefore, moreover и т. д.):
- I wanted to go; however, I was too tired.
- He studied hard; as a result, he passed the exam.
2. Сложные списки
Когда элементы списка содержат запятые, точки с запятой уточняют разделение:
- The conference had attendees from Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.
3. Сбалансированный контраст
Для прямого противопоставления между предложениями:
- Some people love spicy food; others can't tolerate it.
Точка с запятой против других знаков препинания
| Пунктуация | Пример | Когда использовать |
|---|---|---|
| Точка | I called. She answered. | Полное разделение идей |
| Точка с запятой | I called; she answered. | Тесно связанные независимые предложения |
| Запятая + Союз | I called, and she answered. | С сочинительными союзами (and, but и т. д.) |
| Двоеточие | I knew one thing: she would answer. | Когда второе предложение объясняет первое |
Распространенные ошибки
- Comma splice: Using comma between independent clauses
Incorrect: It\'s raining, I forgot my umbrella.
Correct: It\'s raining; I forgot my umbrella.
- Overuse: Using semicolons when periods would work better
Avoid: I woke up; I brushed my teeth; I ate breakfast.
- Dependent clauses: Using semicolon before dependent clauses
Incorrect: Although it was late; we kept working.
Практические примеры
Добавьте точки с запятой, где это уместно:
- The train was delayed we arrived two hours late
- She has lived in Tokyo, Japan Bangkok, Thailand and Seoul, South Korea
- I wanted to buy the car however, it was too expensive
- The project was challenging we completed it on time