30 | Semicolons
30|Semicolons
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A semicolon is a sort of compromise between a comma and a period: it creates a stop without ending a sentence.
30aUse a semicolon to join two main clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction.
Coordinating conjunctions join elements with equal or near-equal importance (see 1g and 19a–19c).
Suppose, having written one statement, you want to add another that is closely related in sense. You decide to keep them both in a single sentence.
Shooting baskets was my brother’s favorite sport; he would dunk them for hours at a time.
A semicolon is a good substitute for a period when you don’t want to bring your readers to a complete stop.
By the yard life is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch.
NOTE: When you join a subordinate clause to a main one or join two statements with a coordinating conjunction, use a comma. Reserve the semicolon to emphasize a close connection or to avoid confusion when long, complex clauses include internal punctuation.
30bUse a semicolon to join two main clauses that are linked by a conjunctive adverb.
For a list of common conjunctive adverbs, see 19c.
You can use a conjunctive adverb to show a relationship between clauses such as addition (besides), comparison (likewise, similarly), contrast (instead, however), emphasis (namely, certainly), cause and effect (thus), or time (finally). When a second statement begins with (or includes) a conjunctive adverb, you can join it to the first with a semicolon. No matter where the conjunctive adverb appears, the semicolon is placed between the two clauses.
Bert is a stand-out player; indeed, he’s the one hope of our team.
We yearned to attend the concert; tickets, however, were hard to come by.
30cUse a semicolon to separate items in a series that contain internal punctuation or that are long and complex.
The semicolon is especially useful for setting off one group of items from another. More powerful than a comma, it divides a series of series.
The auctioneer sold clocks, watches, and cameras; freezers of steaks and tons of bean sprouts; motorcycles, cars, speedboats, canoes, and cabin cruisers; and rare coins, curious stamps, and precious stones.
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EXERCISE 30-1 Using Semicolons
Add any necessary semicolons to the following sentences, and change any that are incorrectly used. Some sentences may be correct. Example:
The research paper was due in six weeks, therefore, Ali got started right away by making a schedule.
The committee estimated the extent of violent crime among teenagers, especially those between the ages of fourteen and sixteen, acted as a liaison between the city and schools and between churches and volunteer organizations, and drew up a plan to reduce violence, both public and domestic, in the next decade.
The skilled pilot landed the plane in an open field, all passengers made it out safely.
The mall no longer seems to attract customers, however; downtown businesses are picking up again.
Even though the ivory trade is now banned in most countries, elephant populations continue to be endangered.
The day after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest shopping day of the year, nonetheless, my sister is insisting that we check out all the deals.
It was a shocking site; all that remained of our house was a pile of rubble and splintered wood.
The glass on Leah’s phone was so cracked it looked like a spider’s web; but she could still make calls and use her apps.