The problem is, because semicolons allow you to join unwieldy items, they allow writers to create unwieldy sentences that would be better broken up into shorter ones. ... In any paragraph of just two sentences, you could argue that they're closely related because, obviously, they're the only two in the paragraph.

Why you should not use semicolons?

Why we should never use semicolons

They are pretentious. The last thing any self-respecting American will ever want to be called is pretentious. College degrees are elitist. By showing how frugal you are with your grammar, people can infer you decided not to sell your firstborn for a paid college degree.

Why do people misuse semicolons?

Semicolons are often misused. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas. This is not true. ... A semicolon is used just like a period, but it is used to separate two complete sentences when the sentences are closely related in meaning.

Is it bad to overuse semicolons?

A Word, Please: Semicolons have two specific purposes, so don't overuse - Los Angeles Times.

Are semicolons useless?

Semicolons can separate independent clauses.

Useless. ... But a period between independent clauses says, “Full stop. New idea.” A semicolon between independent clauses says, “Pause; related idea.”

Why Semicolons are Hard to Use (ft. Tom Scott)

15 related questions found

Should I ever use a semicolon?

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). ... Semicolons should not be used between a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Who made the semicolon?

One of these humanists, Aldus Manutius, was the matchmaker who paired up comma and colon to create the semicolon.

Are semi colons and periods the same?

Remember, semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or periods. Instead, they're somewhere in between: stronger than a comma but not quite as divisive as a period. Sounds pretty cunning to us. Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you're taking notes.

How many semicolons is too many?

When used to link clauses - generally, more than one is too many. When used as a list separator, it's the list that drives that decision, not the semicolons.

Can semicolons be used multiple times?

Yes, semicolons can be used to connect three, or more, related independent clauses.

What is the most commonly misused piece of punctuation?

The semicolon is the most commonly misused punctuation mark. Bryan Garner (A Dictionary of Modern American Usage) calls the semicolon a “supercomma” because it's more than a comma. If you can remember these three uses for a semicolon, you will be a super semicolon user.

What are punctuation mistakes?

Here are 10 of the most common punctuation errors people make and how you can avoid making them.

1. Extraneous Apostrophes. The Problem: People putting apostrophes where they don't belong. ...
2. Unnecessary Quotation Marks. ...
3. Missing Commas. ...
4. Too Many Commas. ...
5. Excess Exclamation. ...
6. It's versus Its. ...
7. The Oxford Comma. ...
8. Hyphen (-) vs.

How long can a sentence be with semicolons?

Semicolons connect two complete sentences.

Colons typically connect dependent clauses (incomplete sentences), though there are rare cases where a colon can join two independent clauses for the purpose of emphasizing the second clause.

What did Kurt Vonnegut say about semicolons?

First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you've been to college.”

Did Hemingway use semicolons?

There is a famous Kurt Vonnegut quote which is often brought up when discussing semicolons, and it's a doozie: ... Princeton scientist Adam J Calhoun has shown that some of the greatest writers of the modern era (Hemingway, McCarthy and Joyce) use the semicolon about as often as I do that treadmill my wife bought me.

What's the difference between a colon and semicolon?

Colons introduce or define something. The primary use of semicolons is to join two main clauses. The difference between semicolons and colons is that colons can combine two independent clauses, but their primary use is to join independent clauses with a list or a noun.

How do you not use a semicolon?

Do not use a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause. As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a semicolon.

How do you use super commas?

There are two essential ways to use a semicolon. The first is relatively straightforward and separates a list of items in a sentence; the second separates independent clauses, while connecting them as related ideas. Semicolons can be used to link items in a list, such as objects, locations, names and descriptions.

How often can you use a semicolon?

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.

Why use a semicolon instead of a period?

They are not as strong as normal conjunctions, so they need a semicolon to help them hold the sentence together. Think of semicolons as thoughtful pauses, as opposed to the full stop indicated by a period. Semicolons can fluidly link two complete ideas without the need for conjunctions.

Can a fragment follow a semicolon?

A semicolon should never be used to join fragments or to connect two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (e.g. and, but, and or). A comma is the appropriate punctuation in those situations.

What is the main purpose of a semicolon?

A semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them.

Why does Selena Gomez have a semicolon tattoo?

Their matching semicolons represent mental health awareness and suicide prevention. "Project semicolon is a movement dedicated to presenting hope for those suffering from depression, thoughts of suicide, addiction, and self-injury," Boe wrote on Instagram.

Why is the semicolon used for depression?

Why is a Semicolon a Symbol for Depression? In literature, a semicolon symbolizes the continuation of a sentence rather than an ending. ... It lets people know that life, like a sentence, can go on. A semicolon inked on someone's wrist symbolizes hope in the face of depression, suicide, addiction, or mental illness.

Does a semicolon end a sentence?

The semicolon (;) can be used to end a sentence, as long as there is a sentence with equal emphasis or a related idea that follows.