Semicolons

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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?
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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.
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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
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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.]
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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.
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