I am a semicolon junkie; I absolutely crave semicolons and use
them as often as I can in my writing.
Using a semicolon is a deliberate, stylistic choice; as a
result, I love them.
The semicolon is dual in nature; it resembles both the comma
and the period, and its function is a little of both. When used in place of
either, the eye flies over it almost as fast as it would a comma; however, it
also yields for a nanosecond (but doesn’t come to a complete stop) like it
would for a period.
The primary function of a semicolon is to connect two closely
related sentences (main clauses or thoughts); consequently, the savvy eye knows
to search for the connection. It might
be in the form of an extended explanation; it might be in the form of a comparison
or a contrast (most often an antithetical statement).
It mends the comma splice; it fixes the run-on sentence; it signals
a pause when in the presence of a conjunctive adverb or a transitional
expression.
Sometimes the semicolon is used to thin a congestion of commas
in a sentence; it can also eliminate a surplus of short sentences in a paragraph.
By substituting for unnecessary or clumsy conjunctions, prepositions and other
excess wordage, the sentence is streamlined; its meaning is tightened. The
semicolon can also bundle a series of short sentences into denser, more complex
sentences; thereby, it smoothes the paragraph’s choppy staccato into a more
liquid rhythm.
The next time you encounter a semicolon in print, stop and marvel
at this mysterious maverick of the punctuation world; furthermore, challenge
yourself to use the semicolon more often in your writing.
That was really awesome; I just love the post about semicolons.
ReplyDeleteKids Games
Thank you; I am so pleased.
DeleteSUPER CLEVER! ;-)
ReplyDelete;) Back at you;;;;;
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