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How do you use a semicolon?: Difference between revisions
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==Proper Usage== | ==Proper Usage== | ||
#The semicolon is used to separate major sentence elements of equal grammatical lengths (Hacker 250). | #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 ( | #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) ( | ##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. | ##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) | ###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 | ####"''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. | #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) | ##If a comma is used instead of a semicolon, it creates a kind of run-on sentence called a comma splice. (Hacker 251) | ||
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#If a transitional expression appears in the middle or at the end of the second independent clause, then the semicolon goes between the clauses (Hacker 252). | #If a transitional expression appears in the middle or at the end of the second independent clause, then the semicolon goes between the clauses (Hacker 252). | ||
##''Most singers gain fame through hard work and dedication; Evita, however, found other means'' (Hacker 252). | ##''Most singers gain fame through hard work and dedication; Evita, however, found other means'' (Hacker 252). | ||
#Use a semicolon to separate elements that themselves contain commas ( | #Use a semicolon to separate elements that themselves contain commas (Glenn 229). | ||
##''Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek, with Mr. Spock and his large pointed ears; Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylon Raiders; and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader'' (Hacker 252). | ##''Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek, with Mr. Spock and his large pointed ears; Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylon Raiders; and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader'' (Hacker 252). | ||
###Without the use of semicolons, the reader has to sort out the major groupings to distinguish between important and less important pauses, based on the logic of the sentence (Hacker 252). | ###Without the use of semicolons, the reader has to sort out the major groupings to distinguish between important and less important pauses, based on the logic of the sentence (Hacker 252). | ||
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#Occasionally, a semicolon may be used to emphasize a sharp contrast or a firm distinction between clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction (Hacker 253). | #Occasionally, a semicolon may be used to emphasize a sharp contrast or a firm distinction between clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction (Hacker 253). | ||
##''"We hate some persons because we do not know them; and we will not know them because we hate them''." -Charles Caleb Colton | ##''"We hate some persons because we do not know them; and we will not know them because we hate them''." -Charles Caleb Colton | ||
==Links== | |||
#[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 | |||
==Works Cited== | ==Works Cited== | ||
Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003. | Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003. | ||