The Semi-Colon
The dreaded semi-colon- the least understood piece of punctuation in the pyramid, yet one that will seal a good level 5 in writing. So, just how can you use the semi-colon in your writing? There is more than one way. Firstly, let us look at the rules. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to put your new found knowledge into practise.
Fact 1: Semi-colons, like commas and full stops, are a form of pause. They mark a breather within a sentence. The full stop is the strongest pause, whilst the comma is the weakest. The semi-colon comes inbetween the two.
Rule 1: The semi-colon can be used instead of a full stop. It can link two complete sentences and join them to make one sentence. Any two sentences? Pretty much, but the two sentences must be on the same theme. The semi-colon can be used instead of a connective to join the sentences.
Example 1: The door swung open; a masked figure strode in.
Example 2: Alex bought a toy car; he played with it as soon as he got home.
Example 3: She was very tired; she had worked late the night before.
So long as the second 'sentence' after the semi-colon links back to the first 'sentence,' it is correct.
Rule 2: The semi-colon can be used in a descriptive list. When we first write lists lower down the school, we tend to separate items in the list using a comma. However, when we describe each item in the list, the sentence is extended considerably meaning that a semi-colon is more appropriate.
Example: (Before) At the circus we saw a clown, a lion, a fire eater and an eight year old acrobat.
(After) At the circus we saw a clown juggling with swords and daggers; a lion
who stood on a ball; a fire eater with flashing eyes; and an eight year old acrobat.
Your Turn
With the five sentences below, use rule 1 to help you place the semi-colon.
The rabbit had been sadly neglected it was in an awful state.
John opened the drawer it was empty.
The wedding invitations have all been sent out two hundred guests are expected.
Tom was very clever and worked hard he deserved to pass all his Sats.
Sally’s birthday is in November John’s is in September.
Rule 3: Semi-colons are to be used sparingly. Semi-colons do not live in every sentence you write. They do have two strong purposes as you will have noted but should be used occasionally to show your strength as a varied writer. On researching the semi-colon, experts suggest that the semi-colon is for academics and not novelists, so should you be a budding Jacqueline Wilson or Anthony Horowitz, you will use this punctuation mark very rarely in your career.
Fact 1: Semi-colons, like commas and full stops, are a form of pause. They mark a breather within a sentence. The full stop is the strongest pause, whilst the comma is the weakest. The semi-colon comes inbetween the two.
Rule 1: The semi-colon can be used instead of a full stop. It can link two complete sentences and join them to make one sentence. Any two sentences? Pretty much, but the two sentences must be on the same theme. The semi-colon can be used instead of a connective to join the sentences.
Example 1: The door swung open; a masked figure strode in.
Example 2: Alex bought a toy car; he played with it as soon as he got home.
Example 3: She was very tired; she had worked late the night before.
So long as the second 'sentence' after the semi-colon links back to the first 'sentence,' it is correct.
Rule 2: The semi-colon can be used in a descriptive list. When we first write lists lower down the school, we tend to separate items in the list using a comma. However, when we describe each item in the list, the sentence is extended considerably meaning that a semi-colon is more appropriate.
Example: (Before) At the circus we saw a clown, a lion, a fire eater and an eight year old acrobat.
(After) At the circus we saw a clown juggling with swords and daggers; a lion
who stood on a ball; a fire eater with flashing eyes; and an eight year old acrobat.
Your Turn
With the five sentences below, use rule 1 to help you place the semi-colon.
The rabbit had been sadly neglected it was in an awful state.
John opened the drawer it was empty.
The wedding invitations have all been sent out two hundred guests are expected.
Tom was very clever and worked hard he deserved to pass all his Sats.
Sally’s birthday is in November John’s is in September.
Rule 3: Semi-colons are to be used sparingly. Semi-colons do not live in every sentence you write. They do have two strong purposes as you will have noted but should be used occasionally to show your strength as a varied writer. On researching the semi-colon, experts suggest that the semi-colon is for academics and not novelists, so should you be a budding Jacqueline Wilson or Anthony Horowitz, you will use this punctuation mark very rarely in your career.
© 2011 Chris Birch
