Semicolons

Punctuation is a part of our everyday life. When we blog we normally just use apostrophes, commas, and periods, but you can use the other punctuation marks to intensify your writing.

Semicolons are used to join parts of a compound sentence if there aren’t any coordinating conjunctions used. Coordinating conjunctions are FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So). In other words, use a semicolon to connect two independent sentences by replacing the period with a semicolon.

Example: I like pizza. I think it is good.

I like pizza; I think it is good.

Example: I don’t want to go to the park. The sun is too bright.

I don’t want to go to the park; the sun is too bright.

Example: He is such a loser. I can’t stand him.

He is such a loser; I can’t stand him.

Use a semicolon before introductory words when they introduce a new sentence connected with another sentence. Introductory words are however, therefore, that is, for example, nevertheless, or for instance.

Example: I think people are nice; however, some people are just jerks.

Example: She will pack food for our picnic; for example, sandwiches, cookies, and chips.

Example: We can trust him completely; nevertheless, we should be careful.

Use a semicolon to separate a series that contain one or more commas.

Example: We went to Phelan, California; Austin, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona.

Example: To get ready for a dance, you should take a shower; use makeup to cover your red, ugly scar; get dressed in your fabulous, expensive black dress; and prepare yourself for a wild night.

Though you may not use semicolons too much in your blog, if you can use a wide variety of punctuation you won’t be limited on what you want to say and how you want to say it.

Written by Patricia Vennes from Writer's Rants
Posted on July 6th, 2009 and filed under Writing
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