PUNCTUATION HANDOUT
Proper Usage of Semicolons
According to The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers,
“semicolons and colons help [us] connect words, word groups, or sentences in useful
and varied ways” (467) . Even though a semicolon and colon have one bases, they are
used in different
ways. The semicolon is used between “major sentence elements of equal grammatical
rank” while the colon is used primarily “to call attention to the words that
follow it” (The Bedford 367-383).
There are certain number of situation when writer should
use a semicolon:
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First of all, a semicolon is used between closely related independent
clauses not joined by a coordinated conjunctions such as and, or, for, yet, so ,but.
“The semicolon indicates that the clauses are linked logically; at the same time, it
creates
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The second way of using a semicolon is the semicolon between independent
clauses which are linked with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. The most
commonly used conjunctive adverbs are nevertheless, moreover, therefore, otherwise,
e.t.c.; in addition, the most well-known transitional phrases are in conclusion, for
example, on the other hand, e.t.c. If a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase appears
in a
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After all, writer should use a semicolon between items in a series
containing internal punctuation. By inserting the semicolon writer sorts out “the
major groupings, distinguishing between important and less important pauses according to
the
logic of the sentence” (The Bedford 379).
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In our literature class we were assigned to discuss characters of Marmeladov from The Crime and The Punishment, Onegin from Evgeniy Onegin, and Chichikov from Dead Souls. (WRONG) | |
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In our literature class we were assigned to discuss characters of Marmeladov from The Crime and The Punishment; Onegin from Evegeniy Onegin; and Chichikov from Dead Souls. (RIGHT) |
To avoid overuse and misuse of colons writers must remember that semicolons are not used between:
A subordinate clause and the rest of the sentence
--Unless you study for exam at least one week prior the test; studying does no good. (WRONG)
--Unless you study for exam at least one week prior the test, studying does no good. (RIGHT)An appositive and the word it refers to
-- The new car we just bought is a great deal; Toyota has always been known for its reliability. (WRONG)
-- The new car we just bought is a great deal, Toyota has been always been known for its reliability. (RIGHT)To introduce a list
-- She likes romantic movies; Titanic and The Great Expectation are her favorite two. (WRONG)
-- She likes romantic movies: Titanic and The Great Expectations are her favorite two. (RIGHT)
After reading all above mentioned information, you now should be able to
use a semicolon properly. In fact, to let you enjoy the ability to put a semicolon in a
right place in a sentence, I have prepared a few sentences for your first practice as a
educated writer.
1. The quarter is almost over therefore a lot of students are looking
forward to traveling with their friends.
2. You should watch with your heart not with your eyes only heart tells
the truth.
3. Will Smith is known for being Fresh Prince of Bell-Air, however in
1996 he starred in a movie called Men in Black and got himself and new image.
4. Madonna’s new CD was released on March 3, 1998, this CD has
thirteen very beautiful songs.
5. I spent one week in the hospital, I am way behind the class schedule
now as a result.