Section 1 THE SEMICOLON Pages 44-48

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Section 1THE SEMICOLONPages 44-48
OST164 Text Editing Applications

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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.

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• 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 ...

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The Semicolon 177(a)

• 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..

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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.

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The Semicolon 178-181

• When 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

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Examples

• I 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 didnt 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.

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The Semicolon 183

• When 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.

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The Semicolon 184

• Use 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.