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PUNCTUATION - The semicolon

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PUNCTUATION - The semicolon Empty PUNCTUATION - The semicolon

Post  Vincent Law Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:38 pm

Using Semicolons

PUNCTUATION - The semicolon Semico10

Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.


Connect closely related ideas

Link two independent clauses to connect closely related ideas
"Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil."

Link clauses connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases to connect closely related ideas
"But however they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods."
Link lists where the items contain commas to avoid confusion between list items
"There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat."

Link lengthy clauses or clauses with commas to avoid confusion between clauses
"Some people write with a word processor, typewriter, or a computer; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil."


Rules for Using Semicolons

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
"Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil."

Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
"But however they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods."

Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
"There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat."

Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.
"Some people write with a word processor, typewriter, or a computer; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil."


Avoid using a comma when a semicolon is needed

Incorrect:"The cow is brown, it is also old."
Correct:"The cow is brown; it is also old."

What's going on here? Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction. This mistake is known as a comma splice.

Incorrect: "I like cows, however, I hate the way they smell."
Correct: "I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell."

What's going on here? The conjunctive adverb however signals a connection between two independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction.

Incorrect: "I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef, which also tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats."
Correct: "I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good; they give us beef, which also tastes good; and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats."

What's going on here? It's unclear what the three list items are, since the items are separated by commas.

Incorrect: "Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millenia, are still one of the great species of this planet, domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by."
Correct: "Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millenia, are still one of the great species of this planet; domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by."

What's going on here? It's unclear where the first independent clause ends and the second independent clause begins.


Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed

Incorrect: "The cow is brown; but not old."
Correct: "The cow is brown, but not old."

What's going on here? The coordinating conjunction but doesn't require a semicolon, since the second part of the sentence isn't an independent clause.

Incorrect: "Because cows smell; they offend me."
Correct: "Because cows smell, they offend me."

What's going on here? The first part is not an independent clause, so no semicolon is required.


http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Semicolons.html
Vincent Law
Vincent Law
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Posts : 1537
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PUNCTUATION - The semicolon Empty Re: PUNCTUATION - The semicolon

Post  Vincent Law Sun Apr 22, 2012 8:29 am

PUNCTUATION - The semicolon Graphs10

Rule 1
Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

Examples:
- "Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then."
- "I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect all the privileges listed in the contract."


Rule 2
It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.

Examples:
- "You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better."
- "As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional."


Rule 3
Use either a semicolon or a comma before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a list following a complete sentence. Use a comma after the introductory word.

Examples:
- "You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing."
- "You will want to bring many backpacking items, for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing."


Rule 4
Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.

Example:
- "This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee."


Rule 5
Use the semicolon between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence.

Examples:
- "When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep."
- "If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her husband is able, he will be there to see her."

http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/semicolons.asp

Vincent Law
Vincent Law
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Posts : 1537
Join date : 2011-12-22
Age : 49
Location : Philadelphia

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