BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 08:13 PM

When sentences are used as examples of usage, one should not take them literally.

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Peg
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 07:56 PM

I like semi-colons. I am also a fan of using two spaces between sentences. I do not, however, like to use an extra comma in a grouping, unless the pause is needed for emphasis, e.g. "She handed him her gloves, her hat, and a bottle of champagne."

peg

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 07:48 PM

"Here, here", Kendall...*wink*

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 07:40 PM

IRREGARDLESS!!! Slowly I turn...step by step. Please dont ever use that awful non word where I can here it!

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 03:55 PM

A semicolon is best used to link two phrases that grammatically could be separate sentences, but that need to be linked together somehow to show their proper meaning. For example:

I don't care what the dictionary says; I like the word "irregardless."

If you were to replace the semicolon with a period, it would give the impression that there are two thoughts here, each of which could stand on its own. That would give the impression that in general I don't care what the dictionary says. Actually, that's not true: In general, I do care what the dictionary says, but this case is an exception. To get the proper meaning for the first part, you have to interpret it in light of the second part.

In my experience, grammar books often give poor examples of the principles they are trying to teach.

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Ferrara
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 03:17 PM

I love semicolons, judicially used, and use them even in my conversation. Ask anyone -- my normal way of talking is loaded with any or all of the following: independent clauses linked with conjunctive adverbs or transitional expressions; independent clauses containing internal punctuation even when a coordinating conjunction links the clauses; and/or items in a series containing internal punctuation.

Rita

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 02:31 PM

Well put, Bald Eagle!

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Ringer
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 01:50 PM

Personally, I don't care if nobody else uses semicolons, I shall continue to use them, would the non-users thereof please ensure that they close their sentence-structures with something because strings of phrases strung together with commas, as some posters post, are very confusing

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 01:35 PM

The Dvorak keyboard is far more efficient and much faster for a skilled typist who is used to it. I'd make the switch were it not for the learning curve and the fact that I'm not the only one who uses this keyboard.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 01:23 PM

PaulM:

Your typewriter example is ingenious but wrong. Your argument assumes that the typewriter keyboard is designed to be convenient, whereas it was designed specifically to be inconvenient! No kidding!

The first typewriters had a good deal of lag in them, and the early typists (when the machine was first being developed) jammed up the machines frequently by typing too fast. The QWERTY keyboard we use today was designed specifically to slow down the typist so that (s)he wouldn't jam things up!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 12:56 PM

the semi-colon indicates phrasing and continuity in speech,(with a touch of inflection).....If you were to use a period (full stop) in all cases, the passage read aloud would seem choppy and dull.

It originated to fill a need in a complex language, and I hate to see the yuonger generation (especially on the internet/WWW) eliminating so many of the clues to the meaning and flow of their thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 12:56 PM

I dont mind semi-colons, they are somewhat half assed but,use them if you have them. It's adverbs that I hate!

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 12:48 PM

But of course don't forget to put a "/" in when it's needed, such as following "not."

sigh. -- Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 12:45 PM

1. One should use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction.
2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression.
3. A semicolon may be used between independent clauses containing internal punctuation even when a coordinating conjunction links the clauses. 4. Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation.
5. Do not use a semicolon to separate a subordinate clause from the rest of the sentence.

On the other hand, I have a friend who has no choice but to use a semicolon because he had to have part of his colon surgically removed.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: PaulM
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 12:45 PM

The fact that the semi colon is a 'lower case' (non shift) key on computers / typewriters suggests that it did once have some use.

If keyboards didn't have to be designed with past legacies in mind, I expect it'd be a CTRL ALT SHIFT thing now.

I'd agree with Geoff. I never use them

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: DougR
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 12:14 PM

I think semi-colons are good;however,they can be over used, I suppose.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Crazy Eddie
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 10:29 AM

Yes Murray, there are good reasons to occasionally split an infinitive!
The firstone that comes to mind, is to gently irritate certain people! :0)

And that reminds me, one important use of the semi-colon is to distinguish a wink-and-grin ;o) from a common-or-garden grin :o)

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 09:57 AM

In the examples given, I think a period (full stop) would work pretty well. I do occasionally use semicolons, however.

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Amos
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 09:36 AM

Abandon the semicolon? Forbid it, Muses!! It is, when well used, a powerful tool; it answers a need; it adds to typographical beauty; it carries more information in less space than any mark devised by man, outside the "full stop" or period; and it trains the mind in subtlety. I prithee, sir, seek a fruitful task on which to turn your hand!! Your current endeavour is wanton, and threatens woe to all the children of the mother tongue!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 09:09 AM

Up in the left corner the heading says "Lyrics, forum and chat." Nuff said.

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 08:41 AM

Is there any reason to ever split an infinitive?

Murray

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 08:25 AM

Beginning a paragraph with 'Or' is probably your worst crime, Geoff! Seriously, though, I like to bung in a semi-colon where I can, supposedly to try and keep them alive.

We discuss music by using the accepted rules of English grammar for written English, Guest, so piss off, you anonymous teenage gobshite.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: Mike Byers
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 07:39 AM

It's fairly useful in writing when you'd like to indicate a pause longer than the pause indicated by a comma but shorter than the pause indicated by a period. But like any other tool in the writer's kit, it can be used either for good or ill.

Subject: RE: BS: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 07:37 AM

This has got to be the dullest thread ever!

What the #$*&! is happening here?

Are we to be taken over by geriatric pedants?

This site was supposed to be about MUSIC

Subject: Grammar: Use of the semi colon
From: GUEST,Geoff
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 05:58 AM

Is there any reason to ever use a semi colon?

To my mind it's outdated and useless.

Take this page. As far as I'm concerned, all their examples could be better written with the use of a comma or full stop (period).

Or am I being a philistine?

Geoff