Semi-colons

What can you guys tell me about the grammatically correct usage of them and the actual usage of them.

My understanding is they are used when you have two distinct clause that COULD be seperate sentences but work well together yet don't work great apart.

I have actually just finished law school and have done some technical writing but never really used them and have been too afraid (maybe insecure) to ask someone I know would know the answer

Eff the MLA.

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Originally Posted by Rota

Eff the MLA.

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Yeah, go with MLIA!

Uhm... Alrighty then??? ;

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Originally Posted by webby189

What can you guys tell me about the grammatically correct usage of them and the actual usage of them.

My understanding is they are used when you have two distinct clause that COULD be seperate sentences but work well together yet don't work great apart.

I have actually just finished law school and have done some technical writing but never really used them and have been too afraid (maybe insecure) to ask someone I know would know the answer

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I am sooo tempted to say the following:

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Too long; didn't read...

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I won't. Instead, I'm here to tell you that you're pretty much right. The semicolon goes only in those sort of clauses that are VERY related to each other, but can in fact form complete sentences of their own.

For example:

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I went to the mall. It was incredibly boring.

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One of the possibilities in re-writing this sentence is simply to place a semicolon in there. Although it would make the sentence easier to read by rewriting it with a comma and a conjunction, a semicolon is grammatically correct.


You're right. It's a pretty hard punctuation mark to use. However, the use of it makes your sentences flow.

One key thing to remember is that the semicolon is read as a pause longer than a comma, but is not a full stop like the period is...Think of a semicolon as joining two semi-sentences. You're moving on from one idea to another idea, almost the same as the first...


Or you could just consult the latest edition of the MLA. I have one still, but I am too lazy to spend half an hour searching for it.

Uhm ; Alrighty then...

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Originally Posted by Derick

Uhm ; Alrighty then...

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That post is made of win :'D

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Originally Posted by Jurnis

I am sooo tempted to say the following:

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Too long; didn't read...

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Uhh, you know, that wasn't even long. :duh: You can read all that, in a minute's time.

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Originally Posted by Elana*

Uhh, you know, that wasn't even long. :duh: You can read all that, in a minute's time.

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I think he was pointing out the usage of semi-colons potentially?

Semicolons (really only applies to English, other languages have other uses) can apply and be used instead of other forms of punctuation.


1. In a list that contains other punctuation. This one gets people every time. Basically, if you have a list of descriptions or anything elongated, instead of separating it by commas, a semi colon is more appropriate.

"Eddy caught three fish that day: A big, shiny steelhead; A smaller, delicious looking rainbow trout; and a catfish."

"I've been to several exotic locations; Huatulco, Mexico; Aiea Heights, Hawaii; and Tianjin, China."

2. In between two thoughts that are opposing and yet similar (transitional)


"Everyone knows Mary ate the cookies; however, nobody will be able to prove it."


"I like being odd; yet, I hate being different."

3. In between two clauses related but still independent of each other in the same sentence. A few examples:


"I went to the mall; it was closed for the evening."
"Nothing is true; everything is permitted."