Let's start with the definition:
sem·i·co·lon /ˈsemiˌkōlən/: Noun - A punctuation mark (;) indicating a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma.
A semicolon is used to join two independent but related clauses. While this can also be done with a comma, the semicolon is more often used when one is using a conjunctive adverb (however, incidentally, otherwise, etc...) or transitional phrase (even so, as a result, matter of fact, etc...). Smaller coordinating conjunctions are the ones most often used with a comma (and, but, so, etc...).
Now an example:
I went out last night and have a hangover; I can't go to work today.
There are many ways to write these two statements using either a semicolon, periods, commas, or no punctuation at all. Let's break it down:
I went out last night and have a hangover, so I can't go to work today.
I went out last night and have a hangover. I can't go to work today.
I went out last night and have a hangover; as a result, I can't go to work today.
I can't go to work today because I went out last night and have a hangover.
I always remembered it as: If two sentences can rely on one another to further understanding, you can join them with a semicolon.
Semicolons are helpful in preventing stilted flow in your writing, adding interest, and creating variety. I can't tell you how many books I've read where the author uses periods too often and it results in short, choppy sentences that make my brain stumble along over the words. I usually don't read more than a chapter or two before I get frustrated and throw the book down.
Punctuation isn't scary if you take the time to learn about it. If you're a writer, this is me begging you to read all you can get your hands on about punctuation and grammar; it does matter.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
I use em dashes too and I've been trying to figure out a hard and fast rule of when to decide on a semicolon or em dash. On the Grammar Girl website, it says to use the dashes when something exciting or dramatic is coming in the sentence. Great article as usual =)
ReplyDeleteRefresher courses are good sometimes. I'm a bit of a grammar nerd :) Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Heather :)
DeleteI love em dashes, as well, Heather. They are visually more interesting. But I appreciate a well-placed semicolon. It's funny, however, because my 7th grader has NO CLUE how to use one. Grammar is so getting lost on this generation. ;-(
ReplyDeleteMatter of fact, the way I just used the semicolon (an emoticon for winking) is probably the ONLY way my daughter knows how to use it.
Thanks for a fun post, Jo, especially for Grammar Nerds like me.
I use 'em all. Gotta keep the prose fun to read ;)
DeleteGrammar IS getting lost on this generation. I beg my kids to bring me their papers before they submit them :) hehe My kids also know little to nothing about grammar; but it's cute to watch my 7year old try.
Thanks for the comment, Tia!