Section 1

THE SEMICOLON

Pages 44-48

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OST164 Text Editing Applications

The Semicolon – ¶176•When a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor) is omitted between two independent clauses, use a semicolon (not a comma) to separate the clauses.

• If you prefer, you can treat the second clause as a separate sentence.

Most of the stockholders favored the sale; the management did not.

Most of the stockholders favored the sale. The management did not.

NOTE: If the clauses are not closely related, treat them as separate sentences.

Weak:

Thank you for your letter of September 8; your question has already been passed on to the manager …..

Better:

Thank you for your letter of September 8. Your question has already been passed on to the manager …...

Use a semicolon in order to achieve a stronger break between clauses than a comma provides.Normal Break:

Many people are convinced that they could personally solve the problem if given the authority to do so, but no one will come forward…..

Strong Break:

Many people are convinced that they could personally solve the problem if given the authority to do so; but no one will come forward…..

The Semicolon – ¶177(a)

The Semicolon – ¶177(b)Use a semicolon when one or both clauses have internal commas and a misreading might occur if a comma also separated the clauses.

Confusing:I sent you an order for copier paper, computer paper, and No.10 envelopes, and shipping tags, cardboard cartons, stapler wire, and binding tape were sent to me instead.

Clear:I sent you an order for copier paper, computer paper, and

No.10 envelopes; and shipping tags, cardboard cartons, stapler wire, and binding tape were sent to me instead.

The Semicolon ¶178-¶181When independent clauses are linked by transitional expressions, use a semicolon between the clauses and a comma afterward.

Examples of transitional expressions:

accordingly, consequently, furthermore, hence, however, moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, then, therefore, thus, yet

ExamplesI want to go out on the boat; however, I have to work.

Today is Friday; therefore, the lab will close at 5 today.

I hope he gets the job; furthermore, I hope he gets a big raise and a bonus.

You didn’t do you homework for today; consequently, you are not prepared for the test.

If it rains this morning, you do no have to mow the grass; otherwise, I want you to mow the yard by lunch.

The Semicolon ¶183When for “example,” “namely,” or “that is” introduces words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence, treat the entire construction as nonessential and set it off with commas, dashes, or parentheses.

Many of the components, for example, the motor, are manufactured by outside suppliers.

Many of the components-for example, the motor-are manufactured by outside suppliers.

Many of the components (for example, the motor) are manufactured by outside suppliers.

The Semicolon – ¶184Use a semicolon to separate items in a series if any of the items already contain commas.

The company will be represented on the Longwood Environmental Council by Martha Janowski, director of public affairs; Harris Mendel, vice president of manufacturing; and Daniel Santoya, director of environmental systems.

New year we will open new offices in Framingham, Massachusetts; Rochester, Minnesota; Metairie, Louisiana; and Bath, Maine.