TROYMC10_29_0131889567.QXD 24c 1/27/06 6:30 PM Page 284 SEMICOLONS CHAPTER 24 Semicolons 24a What are the uses of a semicolon? While a period signals the complete separation of INDEPENDENT CLAUSES, a semicolon indicates only a partial (“semi”) separation. Use a semicolon in only two situations. A semicolon can replace a period between sentences that are closely related in meaning (24b and 24c). Also, a semicolon belongs between sentence structures that already contain one or more commas (24d) and with certain lists (24e). 24b When can I use a semicolon, instead of a period, between independent clauses? The choice between a period and a semicolon for separating independent clauses depends on whether your meaning is better communicated by a complete separation (period) or a partial separation (semicolon). The desert known as Death Valley became a US National Park in 1994; it used to be a US National Monument. This is my husband’s second marriage; it’s the first for me. —Ruth Sidel, “Marion Deluca” A L E R T: Never use a comma alone between independent clauses—this rule will prevent you from creating the error known as a COMMA SPLICE. 24c When else can I use a semicolon between independent clauses? 284 When the second of a set of independent clauses closely related in meaning starts with a CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB or with a TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION, you can choose to separate the clauses with a semicolon instead of a period. Also, insert a comma following a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression that starts an independent clause. Although some professional writers today omit the comma after short words (then, next, soon), the rule remains for most ACADEMIC WRITING. TROYMC10_29_0131889567.QXD 1/27/06 6:30 PM Page 285 How do semicolons work with coordinating conjunctions? 24d The average annual rainfall in Death Valley is about two inches; nevertheless, hundreds of plant and animal species survive and even thrive there. [conjunctive adverb] Photographers have spent years recording desert life cycles; as a result, we can watch bare sand flower after a spring storm. [transitional expression] A L E R T: Never use only a comma between independent clauses that are connected by a conjunctive adverb or word of transition—this rule will prevent you from creating the error known as a COMMA SPLICE. 24d How do semicolons work with coordinating conjunctions? As a general rule, when INDEPENDENT CLAUSES are linked by a COORDINATING CONJUNCTION, good practice calls for a comma, not a period or semicolon, before the coordinating conjunction (23b). However, when one or more of the independent clauses already contain a comma, link the independent clauses by substituting a semicolon for the period. This can help your reader see the relationship between the ideas more clearly. Box 24-1 shows the various combinations of this pattern. B OX 2 4 - 1 PAT T E R N Semicolon I ■ ■ ■ Independent clause, one that contains a comma; coordinating conjunction followed by independent clause. Independent clause; coordinating conjunction followed by independent clause, one that contains a comma. Independent clause, one that contains a comma; coordinating conjunction followed by independent clause, one that contains a comma. When the peacock has presented his back, the spectator will usually begin to walk around him to get a front view; but the peacock will continue to turn so that no front view is possible. —Flannery O’Connor, “The King of the Birds” Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes. —Benjamin Franklin, in a 1789 letter 285 TROYMC10_29_0131889567.QXD 24f 1/27/06 6:30 PM Page 286 SEMICOLONS For anything worth having, one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice. —John Burroughs 24e When should I use semicolons between items in a series? When a sentence contains a series of items that are long or that already contain one or more commas, separate the items with semicolons. Punctuating this way groups the elements so that your reader can see where one item ends and the next begins. Box 24-2 shows this pattern. B OX 2 4 - 2 PAT T E R N Semicolon II ■ Independent clause containing a series of items, any of which contain a comma; another item in the series; and another item in the series. The assistant chefs chopped onions, green peppers, and parsley; sliced chicken and duck breasts into strips; started a broth simmering; and filled a large, shallow copper pan with oil. 24f How do I avoid misusing the semicolon? Not using a semicolon after an introductory phrase If you use a semicolon after an introductory known as a SENTENCE FRAGMENT. NO PHRASE, you create the error Open until midnight; the computer lab is well used. [Using a semicolon turns an introductory phrase into a sentence fragment.] YES Open until midnight, the computer lab is well used. Not using a semicolon after a dependent clause If you use a semicolon after a known as a sentence fragment. NO DEPENDENT CLAUSE, you create the error Although the new dorms have computer facilities; many students still prefer to go to the computer lab. [Using a semicolon turns a dependent clause into a sentence fragment.] 286 TROYMC10_29_0131889567.QXD 1/27/06 6:30 PM Page 287 How do I avoid misusing the semicolon? YES 24f Although the new dorms have computer facilities, many students still prefer to go to the computer lab. Not using a semicolon to introduce a list When the words that introduce a list form an independent clause, use a colon, never a semicolon (25b). NO The newscast featured three major stories; the latest pictures of Uranus, a speech by the president, and dangerous brush fires in Nevada. [The newscast featured three major stories is an independent clause, so the punctuation before the list should be a colon, not a semicolon.] YES The newscast featured three major stories: the latest pictures of Uranus, a speech by the president, and dangerous brush fires in Nevada. EXERCISE 24-1 Insert semicolons as needed in these items. Also, fix any incorrectly used semicolons. If a sentence is correct, explain why. For help, consult all sections of this chapter. EXAMPLE Bicycle racing is as popular in Europe as baseball or basketball is in the United States, it is even more heavily commercialized. Bicycle racing is as popular in Europe as baseball or basketball is in the United States; it is even more heavily commercialized. 1. The Tour de France is the world’s best-known bicycle race, the 94-year-old Giro d’Italia runs a close second. 2. That media attention leads to marketing opportunities for the events’ sponsors; which place ads along the race’s route, in the nearby towns, and on the cyclists themselves. 3. One participant’s method was simple; he managed to ride out in front of the field for a few brief miles. 4. In addition to sponsoring individual athletes, corporations plaster ads all over the towns that the race goes through, they toss samples, coupons, and gadgets to spectators from promotional vehicles that ride the route an hour ahead of the cyclists, and they run ads during TV and radio coverage of the race. 5. Media watchers think the Giro d’Italia could become even more profitable and popular, especially among young adults, but only if it took a cue from the Tour de France by encouraging; more international press coverage, more star riders, and even heavier corporate sponsorship. 287
© Copyright 2025 Paperzz