Semi-colons

Definition: Semi-colons are used to sort out a list or to separate closely independent clauses. Semicolons can also be used to separate two independent clauses even if these two independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction (1).

History: Ancient Greeks first used the semicolon as a question mark. Then an Italian printer named Aldus Manutius revived its use in 1494. Semicolons first started to appear in London in a 1568 chess guide, but it was scarce in writing even up to 1623. The semicolon was not used for relation causes or for interrogation purposes then; punctuation was used for oratorical purposes, so a semicolon was used to create a two-second pause in a person’s speech. In 1793, the semicolon was used to distinguish contraries and divisions, but the common thought was that it was still used for a pause. The semicolon hadn’t reached mass audiences, yet in 1848 Edgar Allen Poe complained about the over use of semicolons in writing. In 1865 grammarian, Justin Brenan, talked of the rejection of semicolons and how they had been disappearing from newspapers, books, and the like. A significant decline in semicolon usage occurred between the 18^th and 19^th century, from 68.1 semicolons per thousand words to only 17.7 (2). What some suspect is that the decline in the use of semicolons came with technological advances, such as the telegraph. Morse code stunted punctuation use in general; words and punctuation went for $5 each, which meant shorter sentences with less punctuation. The decrease in the use of semicolons continued when a 1903 writing guide said as a rule whenever someone is tempted to use a semicolon they should use a period instead. The California State Board of Education adopted this guide as a textbook three years later (2). Semicolon usage is not popular in modern society, but its unique function keeps it a favorite punctuation mark for some writers.

Examples:

• One would use semicolons between clauses which could stand alone, but which are closely related.
  • “He ran with his shirt over his head; he had forgotten his umbrella once again (3).”
  • “She couldn’t dance in her favorite ballroom; it was being renovated (3).”

• In the following example, there could be a period after “England,” but a semicolon is less harsh of a stop.
  • “Rutland is once again the smallest county in England; no other area in the land is famous for so little (3).”
• A semicolon is also used when a second clause expands or explains the first.
  • “Neither of us spoke; we merely waited patiently in silence to see what would happen (3).”
• Semicolons are also used to punctuate mixed lists in continuous prose writing.
  • “Four objects lay on the desk: a large book; a spiral-bound notepad; a glass vase containing flowers; and a silver propelling pencil (3).”

• Semicolons are used when successive clauses describe a sequence of actions or different aspects of the same topic.
  • “There was a sharp, bracing air; the ground beneath us was dry; the sea was calm and clear (3).”
• They are often used before clauses which begin with nevertheless, therefore, even so, and for instance.
  • “He usually took great care; even so he made few errors (3).”
• They can be used to mark off a series of phrases or clauses which themselves contain commas.
  • “For this exercise you will need the following materials: some scrap paper; a pen, preferably blue or black; some A4 envelopes; and some good, white, unlined writing paper (3).”
• Semicolons are used to avoid ambiguity in sentences composed of phrases of different length and mixed content.
  •  “The Chairman welcomed the President, Dr. Garvey; the Vice-President Mr. Barncroft and his wife; several delegates from the United States; and members of the public who had been invited to attend (3).”

If one is unsure if they should use a semicolon, it is perfectly acceptable to use a period instead because semicolons are one of the most commonly misused forms of punctuation in the English language.

References:

1. “The Semicolon.” The Semicolon. 2004. Capital Community College. 29 Nov. 2008 <http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/marks/semicolon.htm>.

2. Collins, Paul. “Has modern life killed the semicolon?” Slate. 20 June 2008. 29 Nov. 2008 <http://www.slate.com/id/2194087>.

3. “How to Use Semicolons.” How to Use Semicolons. 2000. Mantex. 29 Nov. 2008 <http://www.mantex.co.uk/samples/semicolons.htm>.