Chloe
Brotherton
English
1510
September
22, 2012
Questioning a Construct: Semicolon
What is a semicolon? What is it used for? The semicolon is seen in articles and other
pieces of writings but is not always understood. According to Lynne Truss, British expert on
grammar, many non-writers avoid the semicolon. Not as simple as the comma (brief pause) or the
period (complete stop), the semicolon (moderate pause) is definitely considered
one of the more unpopular punctuation marks, possibly because not many people
know how to use it. Besides being a neat
little symbol of a dot on top of a comma, it has several uses and can be
practiced as an effective writing tool. Perhaps
if people knew how to properly use the semicolon, it would be used more in
their writings.
Developed in 1494 by Aldus Manutius the Elder,
an Italian printer, the semicolon was used to separate words of opposed meaning
and to indicate interdependent statements. The semicolon was first used systematically by
an English writer, Ben Jonson, later on. The semicolon is sometimes avoided because,
according to Lynne Truss, "They are old-fashioned", "They are
middle-class", "They are optional", "They are mysteriously
connected to pausing" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semicolon)
and many other reasons. While some of
those reasons may be understandable, the semicolon is still an important part
of punctuation. Its functions include
listing items, linking related or independent clauses, connecting sentences
that contain internal punctuation, a “super comma”, or as a moderate pause. Do not use it with a conjunction, though;
that’s a common misconception of the semicolon. Typically a semicolon is used when forming a
bond between two related, contrasting statements.
When using a semicolon it is essential that
one use it correctly! But the problem
with that, though, is it’s “The most feared punctuation on earth” (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon). The semicolon isn’t really taught in schools (or
schools don’t really spend a great deal of time teaching it), because it’s not
necessarily needed for writing. It’s not
like a period or a comma; a sentence can definitely survive without a
semicolon. A semicolon can make a sentence
sound better, though, with its pausing effect.
For example, “Today was a great day.
I played with puppies for hours on end.”
Nothing is wrong with that phrase, but it would sound better with a
semicolon for its pause: “Today was a great day; I played with puppies for
hours on end.” Since these are two
statements, a semicolon can replace a period.
Two
statements or independent clauses can also be separated by a conjunction too,
and this is where things can get tricky. A semicolon can be used with a
conjunction adverb, but not a conjunction. Conjunctions consist of the words, “and,
for, but, since, because, though, so, etc.,” and when a conjunction is present,
there is no need for a semicolon. A conjunction adverb, on the other hand, is
an indication of a connection between two independent clauses in one sentence. Conjunction
adverbs include, “also, however, otherwise, consequently, indeed, similarly,
finally, likewise, etc.” People seem to
have trouble grasping this concept, and common errors like these occur quite
frequently: “I was so happy today; because I won twenty five million dollars.” Either leave out the semicolon, or eliminate
the word “because” (Example: “I was so happy today because I won twenty five
million dollars,” or “I was so happy today; I won twenty five million dollars”).
The most common way to use a
semicolon is to connect two independent clauses. For example, the phrase “I love my mom. She bought me two dozen roses,” is
acceptable, but a semicolon could also come into play here: “I love my mom; she bought me two dozen roses.” An independent clause is a sentence that can
stand alone (subject, verb, direct object= independent clause). “I love my mom” and “She bought me two dozen
roses” are both independent clauses, and can both stand on their own. They can also be separated by a semicolon,
though. Either way is acceptable.
A semicolon can be used when forming
a bond between two relating or contrasting statements. For example: “I gnaw on old car tires; it
strengthens my jaw so I’ll be better conditioned for bear combat,” (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon). The semicolon used here strengthens the
relationship between gnawing on tires and combatting bears. A case where a semicolon is not needed,
though, is when the statements have no sort of connection to each other. For example, “I fought the bear and won. Also, I never kiss plague rats on the mouth,”
(http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon). A semicolon would be incorrect if used in
this context; stick with a period.
When a sentence contains internal
punctuation (i.e., a comma) it is acceptable to use a semicolon to prevent a
run on. For example, “When bunnies hate
each other, they’ll often square dance; bunnies are wonderful square dancers.” Without a semicolon, this sentence would be
long and awkward. Instead of two commas
and a conjunction here and there, it would make more sense to use a semicolon
in this context. Too many commas would
resort to comma splices, and a period would lose the connection between the two
clauses (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon).
A semicolon can be used as a super
comma (“what’s a super comma?”). A super
comma is a semicolon being used in listing items, like states or favorite
foods, in sentences that already contain commas. For example, “While looking for my pet
hamster, I traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; and Athens, Ohio.” It can also be used to enable one to list and
describe characters in a sentence. For
instance, “My favorite movies include Pineapple Express, a comedy; Titanic, a
drama; and Paranormal Activity 2, a horror film.”
Sources:
"Conjunction (grammar)." Wikipedia.
Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Sept. 2012. Web. 27 Sept. 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conjunction_(grammar)>.
"Semicolons in Lists." Using Semicolons in
Lists. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/semicolons_in_lists.htm>.
"Using Semicolons." Grammar and Punctuation:.
University of Wisconsin, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2012.
<http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Semicolons.html>.
Inman, Mathew. "The Oatmeal." How to Use a
Semicolon -. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2012.
<http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon>.
