MLP: The neglected semicolon
Beautiful is the semicolon: a harmonic marriage of period and comma. This useful yet fading element of grammar subtly provides emphasis, linking two otherwise independent clauses. Semicolons give pause - longer than a comma, yet less final than a period.
Melancholy is your Mrs. Language Person; the slow demise and abuse (when used) of the once-favored semicolon is yet another portent of language's languid anguish.
A semicolon (;), Dear Reader, is neither colon (:) nor comma (,). Colons: These should briefly precede explanations or answer expectations. Colons should never (but too often incorrectly do) precede restatements; however, semicolons may. If two related statements could be separated into two sentences without adding a verb, subject, or object noun, generally they could also be joined by a semicolon.
The semicolon thus used is an option, not a requirement. It is also an option for emphasis; it is not a requirement. It is an option. It is not a requirement.
Which packed the best punch?
A comma, whose uses typically include setting off dependent phrases such as this, may indicate a pause or introduce a thought. Commas may also assist in lists to separate items one, two, and three. Actually, a semicolon may do the same; more on that you'll note below.
The simplest way to differentiate between proper uses of semicolons and commas is to ask this: Can the parts of a sentence which are set off from one another exist independently? If the answer is no, a comma is more likely correct. If yes, a semicolon it is. The phrase, "If yes" could not alone form a sentence, so a comma correctly followed; however, MLP could easily have removed the semicolon in this sentence and replaced it with a period (with or without the "however"). She did not, despite the sentence's cumbersome length, because the two ideas within it are related, and are thus stronger together.
Example 1:
Use a semicolon to strengthen two related statements which, separately, could each be a sentence. "Please answer me now; I need to know before the meeting."
Example 2:
Use a semicolon to introduce conjunctive or introductory words and phrases (e.g., however, for example, although, therefore), if they introduce a full sentence. "I tried to entice the cat to play; however, she was too sleepy."
Now if you recall, Dear Reader, MLP suggested semicolons may occasionally fulfill the role of comma. This is purely practical; sometimes commas are needed within a list (or a list of lists), so a semicolon is substituted for clarity.
Examples 3 and 4:
"The contestants hail from Moscow, Idaho; Portland, Oregon; and Richmond, Indiana."
"Successful candidates will have a B.A., B.S., or technical certificate; three recommendations from a teacher, employer, or school counselor; and at least two years of related experience."
When in doubt, Dear Reader, MLP advises skipping the semicolon in favor of separate, complete sentences. Better to be neglected than abused, poor chap; yet it's a shame this practical pet of language lovers is losing his appeal.
"With educated people, I suppose, punctuation is a matter of rule; with me it is a matter of feeling. But I must say I have a great respect for the semicolon; it's a useful little chap." - (self-educated) Abraham Lincoln
Mrs. Language Person and Sholeh Patrick are columnists for the Hagadone News Network. Contact both at [email protected].