How do you use a semicolon?: Difference between revisions

#The semicolon is used to separate major sentence elements of equal grammatical lengths (Hacker 250).

#A semicolon connects independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction (Glenn 227).

##Two related independent clauses in one sentence can be linked with a semicolon, but they are usually connected with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) (Glenn 226).

##The conjunction expresses the relation between the clauses.

###If the relation is clear without the conjunction, a writer may choose to connect the clauses with a semicolon instead. (Hacker 251)  

####"''Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice''." - H.L.Mencken

#A semicolon must be used whenever a coordinating conjunction has been omitted between independent clauses.   

##If a comma is used instead of a semicolon, it creates a kind of run-on sentence called a comma splice. (Hacker 251)

###''In 1800, a traveler needed six weeks to get from New York City to Chicago; in 1860, the trip by railroad took two days'' (Hacker 251).

#Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression (Hacker 251).

##Transitional expressions consist of conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases (Hacker 251).

:;Conjunctive Adverbs:  ''accordingly, also, anyway, besides, certainly, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore, hence, however, incidentally, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevetheless, next, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, specifically, still, subsequently, then, therefore, thus'' (Hacker 251).

#Avoid using a semicolon in the following situations.

##Between a subordinate clause and the rest of the sentence (Hacker 253)

###Incorrect<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''Unless you brush your teeth within ten or fifteen minutes after eating; brushing does almost no good'' (Hacker 253).

###Correct<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''Unless you brush your teeth within ten or fifteen minutes after eating, brushing does almost no good'' (Hacker 253).

##Between an appositive and the word it refers to (Hacker 253)

###Incorrect<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''The scientists were fascinated by the species ''Argyroneta acquatica''; a spider that lives underwater'' (Hacker 253).

###Correct<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''The scientists were fasicinated by the species ''Argyroneta acquatica'', a spider that lives underwater'' (Hacker 253).

##To introduce a list (Hacker 253)

###Incorrect<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''Some of my favorite film stars have home pages on the Web; John Travolta, Susan Sarandon, and Loenardo DiCaprio'' (Hacker 253).

###Correct<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''Some of my favorite film stars have home pages on the Web:  John Travolta, Susan Sarando, and Leonardo DiCaprio''(Hacker 253).

##Between independent clauses joined by ''and, but, or, nor, for, so or yet'' (Hacker 253)

###Incorrect<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''Five of the applicants had worked with spreadsheets; but only one was familiar with database management'' (Hacker 253).

###Correct<nowiki>:</nowiki>  ''Five of the applicants had worked with spreadsheets, but only one was familiar with database management'' (Hacker 253).

#[http://www.dianahacker.com/writersref/ Electronic exercises on using semicolons]

##Follow the instructions below on how to get to the exercises after clicking the link.

###Click on Electronic Grammar Exercises

###Punctuation

###E-ex P3-1,P3-2

[[category: composition]]