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Rules regarding commas and semicolons

English Language & Usage Asked by Bert Johnson on April 7, 2021

As such, the central management objectives of this study are: to determine whether site XXXXX should be considered a non-site or, if not, provide NRHP eligibility recommendation; and to identify and assess project impacts to site XXXXX.

I’m 99% sure the colon is used incorrectly, but what about the commas and semicolon?

One Answer

It may help to look at BBC Bitesize:

Semicolons can help to simplify lists by showing which items are grouped together.

Here, a colon introduces the list and semicolons indicate which parts of the list are grouped together:

You will need to bring the following: sleeping bag, pillow, and pyjamas for the overnight stay; water bottle, waterproof jacket, sweatshirt, and walking boots for the afternoon trek; and a swimming kit for the river activities.

BBC Bitesize - How to use semicolons in a list

From this point of view your sentence is correct. The colon introduces a list of two items separated by a semicolon. The second item is simple (to identify and assess ...). The first item (to determine or provide ...) is more complex, containing commas that are subservient to the semicolon and full stop that define the limits of the item.

Correct answer by Anton on April 7, 2021

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