Term
| What is the main time a semicolon is used? |
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Definition
It is used between two independent clauses (sentences) instead of a period when the two clauses are closely related. That is all up to you. Period is fine too.
Example: I know a girl; her name is Agnes.
OR I know a girl. Her name is Agnes. |
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Term
| When you have two independent clauses, and the second clause starts with words like accordingly, consequently, furthermore, however, namely, moreover, etc., then Morson's advises a semicolon. |
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Definition
Examples:
I wanted the donut; however, Agnes ate it.
Craig Ferguson is Scottish; furthermore, he is funny.
These kind of words like however or furthermore show that the two clauses are closely related so that you may use a semicolon. Make sure to put comma after the introductory word like "however." |
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Term
| Do not use a semicolon before words like however if one of the clauses is dependent and can't stand alone. |
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Definition
Examples:
Agnes, however, was there.
We proposed, furthermore, to go to the store.
In these sentences, you have parts that cannot stand alone. The transitional word is just breaking up one complete sentence or idea, instead of two complete sentences. |
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Term
| Also use a semicolon before words that introduce a list such as e.g., for example, i.e., namely, that is, that is to say, to wit |
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Definition
Examples:
I like everything about court reporting; that is to say, money, fame, and fun.
She prepared everyone for the news; namely, Scott, John, Bill.
After the introductory list word such as "namely," you put a comma. |
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Term
| Use a semicolon when you have a list and the list has commas within the items. |
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Definition
Example:
I was there on Tuesday, January 20; Wednesday, January 21; and Thursday, January 22. |
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Term
| Semicolons or periods may be used before conjunctions (and, but, or) when the sentence is really long or has multiple commas in it already. |
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Definition
Example:
We went down there on Thursday, January 20 morning to see what we could see; and well, you know, we stayed there all day long to see what all the fuss was about.
Because of the length of the sentence and having several commas already, a comma before "and" would seem weak and confusing. Semicolon is a bit better. Periods can also be used in such instances. |
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Term
| When items in a list are really long, you may use semicolons instead of commas. |
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Definition
Example:
We went there to see what we could buy the kids for Christmas in that big old store; to see what Santa was saying to all of the kids as he sat there in the old chair; to talk among ourselves and enjoy the nice day and have a little fun before we left. |
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Term
| When there is a list, and they use numbers to introduce the list items, you may use numbers. You may use words IF each item is short. |
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Definition
Example:
I gave the lecture to, one, Agnes; two, Susan; and, three, Elizabeth.
(note the commas before and after the numbers and semicolons separating list items)
Alternative way -- I gave the lecture to (1) Agnes, (2) Susan, and (3) Elizabeth.
(note numbers in parentheses and use of commas between each item because they are short. Semicolons would be used if they were longer) |
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Term
| Use a semicolon to separate two indep. clauses when the verb is omitted from the second one but is understood. |
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Definition
Ex.
A reporter makes a lot of money; a captioner, even more.
I left at 7 P.M.; they, 12.
Notice the comma in place of the missing verb. |
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Term
| Place semicolons after quote marks. |
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Definition
| I said that Agnes was "tough"; after all, she was born in Scotland. |
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Term
| When lists do not flow with the rest of the sentence as one unit, but are introduced instead by words like "as follows," "the following" or "thus," then use a colon to precede the list. |
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Definition
Ex.
The people who went are the following: Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Jones, Mr. Thompson.
(If it just said "the people are," without "the following", then you would not need a colon.)
We studied thus: by reading, by repeating in our heads, by practicing. (Again, without the word "thus," no colon needed) |
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Term
| Use a colon before a list when "namely" has been left out but may be added. |
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Definition
| Ex. I wondered about her: her intelligence, her manners, her demeanor. |
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Term
| Use a colon to introduce formal quotations from legal documents, historic documents, other well-known writings. |
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Definition
Ex.
The Bible says: "Love thy neighbor."
The statute says: "Any person to be found in violation of the above will endure a public flogging." |
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Term
| If you have a long list, you may put a semicolon and tabulate. |
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Definition
The items missing were:
a bike
a TV
a Honda
a Wii
an Ipod
a Facebook picture
(Notice - no commas) |
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Term
| When they read back questions and answers in testimony, put the word "question" or "answer" all in CAPS with a colon after. |
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Definition
Ex.
"QUESTION: So you admit you killed him? "ANSWER: Yes, I do."
To make it easier to see what's quoted, especially if its a long series, you put quote marks at the beginning of each line, each Q or A. You only put one end quote mark at the end of the whole thing though. |
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Term
| Use a colon when a sign or a guideline is introduced by words like "note," "caution," or "warning." |
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Definition
Ex:
The sign said, "Note: I am not here right now. Go away."
I told him, "Warning: It's that time of the month. You best back the hell up. |
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