Last week when I posted my little tidbit about breaking grammar rules I got a much bigger response than I was expecting. The number one question that was asked after my post was, how on earth do you use a semicolon? Which is kinda funny, because I had debated whether or not to put that in there.
Since you asked, I thought I would do a little post to put my thoughts on the semicolon out there. I've read few things on the subject, but am, by no means, an expert.
In order to understand the semicolon we must first understand the comma. I tend to way overuse commas, but I think we can generally look at the comma as breath. Anytime something doesn't flow, needs a break, or proceeds a conjunction we should use a comma.
Okay, so what the heck is semicolon for, you ask?
It's for combining two complete thoughts into one sentence. Which means, it should be used rarely. Although, there are times when a semicolon just makes everything mesh together much better.
For example, say you write two short sentences that relate. "I went to the store. I took my dog." These can be combined with a semicolon for better flow. "I went to the store; my dog came with me." The connection lends to a more complete feeling of the sentence rather than two related, but choppy, sentences.
Hopefully that makes sense.
Do you like these posts? Should I keep them coming, or would you prefer to 'google' your grammar woes? What would you like to know?
11 comments:
Good post ;o) I think these little grammar posts are good reminders and helps keep "the rules" fresh in our heads :o)
Just a little note about the semicolon, it's also used to seperate a series if a comma is used in one or more of the units in the series. Example: I have lived in Detroit, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; and Dallas, Texas.
True, true. Thanks for that! :)
I learned today the function of semicolon because of you. I'm wondering if you can teach me the difference of using [...] ellipsis and [.] period.
good day folk.
Mmm, I overuse commas to and look at them as breath. However, the confusing thing about them is that sometimes this doesn't apply. Sigh. As for the semi-colon, I have no idea where to put it though I use it a lot. And what you say makes sense so hell, I'll go use one now. :D
I would say that commas are overused in general. My favorite English teacher hated them. Consequently, I use them less. Semi-colons I have used correctly maybe once in my life. Thanks for the grammar reminder.
Good post, Jen! I tend to be a bit of a comma abuser myself. (Don't even get me started on exclamation points!)
Keep 'em coming....
Yes I loved this post and please keep doing it!
Visiting from Wobbling Over Wednesday! I would love for you to check out my blog at http://www.winforfun.blogspot.com!
hello Jen!Thank you for stopping by! I really do appreciate your taking the time to leave a comment...I read each and everyone of them. I hope your day is a good one and that you will come back again soon. Greetings from Rio de Janeiro.Take care. Nelson Souzza :)
Thanks for clearing our minds Jen! :)
I only use semicolon for instances like you are to use conjunctions for clauses like therefore, thus etc.
Am i right??
joross - NO! That's incorrect. I better not seeing you do that again! j/k
But seriously, that's wrong. :)
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