分号Semicolon
The semicolon is sometimes described as stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. In certain uses, this is a reasonably accurate definition. Yet there is more to the semicolon than that.
Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly.
1. Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses
You can use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses.
The two sentences should share a close, logical connection
- I ordered a cheeseburger for lunch; life’s too short for counting calories.
- Money is the root of all evil; I don’t believe the reverse is necessarily true.
- Martha has gone to the library; Andrew has gone to play soccer.
Notice that the letter following the semicolon is not capitalized. Using a comma instead of a semicolon in the sentences above would result in a comma splice.
2. Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon
A semicolon isn’t the only thing that can link two independent clauses.
Conjunctions (that’s your ands, buts, and ors) can do that too.
But you shouldn’t use a semicolon and a conjunction.
- I saw a magnificent albatross, and it was eating a mouse.
- I saw a magnificent albatross; it was eating a mouse.
- The upperclassmen are permitted off-campus lunch, but the underclassmen must remain on campus.
- The upperclassmen are permitted off-campus lunch; the underclassmen must remain on campus.
3. Use Semicolons in a Serial List
You can use semicolons to divide the items of a list if the items are long or contain internal punctuation.
In these cases, the semicolon helps readers keep track of the divisions between the items.
- I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; London, Ontario; Paris, France; Paris, Ontario; Perth, Scotland; Perth, Ontario.
- My plan included taking him to a nice—though not necessarily expensive—dinner; going to the park to look at the stars, which, by the way, are amazing this time of year; and serenading him with my accordion.
- We had four professors on our committee: Peter Wursthorn, Professor of Mathematics, Ronald Pepin, Professor of English, Cynthia Greenblatt, Professor of Education, and Nada Light, Professor of Nursing.
- We had four professors on our committee: Peter Wursthorn, Professor of Mathematics; Ronald Pepin, Professor of English; Cynthia Greenblatt, Professor of Education; and Nada Light, Professor of Nursing.
Let’s recap: so far we’ve got semicolons for linking two independent clauses; replacing a conjunction (whether showing similarity, like “and,” or opposition, like “but”); and long, comma-loving lists.
4. Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs
When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include also, moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, indeed, and consequently.
- I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.
- Reports of the damage caused by the hurricane were greatly exaggerated; indeed, the storm was not a “hurricane” at all.
- The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it was early in the evening.
- I’m not all that fond of the colors of tiger lilies; moreover, they don’t smell very good.
