EPT![[image loading]](http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7360/semicolon.jpg)
Note - Since this was really short, I took some of my sleep-time to write this second guide. This will teach you the correct way to use semicolons so that you can get over the myth that their use is mysterious and complicated. They're easy!
Semicolons
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that links closely related ideas. It allows writers to emphasize the relationships between elements of a sentence, often using dramatic pauses to direct the reader's attention to the most important ideas. Notice how a semicolon directs our attention in the following example:
"My life has been incredible; I don't believe a word of it," wrote Katherine Anne Porter.
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SEMICOLONS WITH CLOSELY RELATED MAIN CLAUSES
Why use semicolons? Sometimes we want to join two main clauses to form a complete sentence in order to indicate their close relationship. We can connect them with a comma and a coordinating conjunction like or, but, or and. However, using those constructions too often can make your writing cumbersome. Instead you can omit the comma and coordinating conjunction, and insert a semicolon between the two clauses.
Semicolons can join only clauses that are grammatically equal. In other words, they join main clauses only to other main clauses, not to phrases or subordinate clauses. Look at the following examples:
Incorrect Gloria's new weightlifting program will help her recover from knee surgery [main clause]; doing a series of squats and presses with a physical therapist. [participial phrase]
Incorrect Gloria's new weightlifting program will help her regain strength in her knee [main clause]; which required surgery after she injured it skiing. [subordinate clause]
Correct Gloria's new weightlifting program will help her recover from knee surgery [main clause]; a physical therapist leads her through a series of squats and presses. [main clause]
COMMON ERRORS
Main clauses connected with conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases
Closely related main clauses sometimes use a conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, thus, meanwhile, nonetheless, otherwise, rather) or a transition (in fact, for example, that is, for instance, in addition, in other words, on the other hand, even so) to indicate the relationship between them. When the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb or a transition, a semicolon is needed to join the other two clauses. This sentence pattern is frequently used; therefore, it pays to learn how to punctuate it correctly.
Incorrect (comma splice) The police and city officials want to crack down on drug use at raves, however, their efforts have been unsuccessful so far.
Correct The police and city officials want to crack down on drug use at raves; however, their efforts have been unsuccessful so far.
The semicolon separates the second main clause from the first. Note that a comma is also needed to separate however from the rest of the second clause.
Incorrect (comma splice) The poster design left much to be desired, for example, the title was printed in garish red, orange, and green.
Correct The poster design left much to be desired; for example, the title was printed in garish red, orange, and green.
Note that in addition to the semicolon, a comma separates for example from the rest of the second clause.
Remember: Main clauses that use a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase require a semicolon to join the clauses.
Do not use a semicolon to introduce quotations
Use a comma or a colon instead.
Incorrect Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" contains this line; "Good fences make good neighbors."
Correct Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" contains this line: "Good fences make good neighbors."
Correct Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" contains this line, "Good fences make good neighbors."
Do not use a semicolon to introduce lists.
Incorrect William Shakespeare wrote four romance plays at the end of his career; The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, Cymbeline, and Pericles.
Correct William Shakespeare wrote four romance plays at the end of his career: The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, Cymbeline, and Pericles.
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SEMICOLONS TOGETHER WITH COMMAS
When an item in a series already includes a comma, adding more commas to separate it from the other items will only confuse the reader. Use semicolons instead of commas between items in a series that have internal punctuation.
Confusing The church's design competition drew entries from as far away as Gothenberg, Sweden, Caracas, Venezuela, and Athens, Greece.
Clearer The church's design competition drew entries from as far away as Gothenberg, Sweden; Caracas, Venezuela; and Athens, Greece.
THE END
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