puntkomma

Puntkomma is the Dutch name for the punctuation mark ;, known in English as the semicolon. It marks a pause that is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. It is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

In prose, a puntkomma links two independent clauses that are closely related without a coordinating conjunction. It can also be used where a sentence would become too long or unclear if divided only by a comma. It helps to show a close logical connection between the clauses.

In lists, puntkomma clarifies separation between items that themselves contain commas. For example: De deelnemers waren: Jan, voorzitter; Marie, secretaris; Koen, penningmeester. This use reduces ambiguity in complex enumerations.

In computing contexts, puntkomma is commonly used as a statement terminator in programming languages such as C, Java and JavaScript, where it marks the end of a statement.

Etymology and usage: the term puntkomma combines punt (period) and komma (comma). Its use and preferred frequency vary by style guide and language; in formal Dutch, the semicolon is more common than in casual writing, but opinions on its necessity differ.