majateaches Posted December 23, 2015 Report Share Posted December 23, 2015 Did you know that the semi-colon has been gaining attention internationally? It's quite fascinating, and rings very true, but I though I would clear up the punctuation rules of the semi-colon with this post. 1. The semi-colon is a long pause that balances two equally important ideas. For example: She went by train; she would rather have flown. 2. It can show opposites in one sentence. For example: In summer she swims; in winter she skates. The two points below are related: 3. It joins two main clauses (main idea sentences) where there is no conjunction. For example: She studied diligently for the tests; she had nothing to fear. 4. A semi-colon may often be replaced by a full stop, or by the conjunctions and, but, so, for and although. [This is why we see semi-colons so seldom, because people mostly replace semi-colons with full stops or conjunctions] I encourage you to try using a semi-colon in your writing, I love the long pause that you get by using it. linguaholic 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasleenKaur Posted December 23, 2015 Report Share Posted December 23, 2015 A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences. Example: Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then. We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majateaches Posted December 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2015 Oh that's a great point! Thank you for the excellent examples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agentzero Posted December 23, 2015 Report Share Posted December 23, 2015 Some good examples guys! I really wanted to include the semi-colon in my writing but have struggled to find a way how. I think it's because I always found an argument for a colon or a period to be put in instead. Do you have any examples where it's best possible option to use a semi-colon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIO5NN8C7DEB15AYGM0U Posted December 25, 2015 Report Share Posted December 25, 2015 This post has been removed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.