semicolon usage

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Believer

#302464 Sun, 10 Dec 06 01:23 PM

Hi,

I think the usual explanation for the semicolon usage is that when two independent clauses are closely related, they can be punctuated with a semicolon. OK, is that mean it can also be applicable when one clause is a simple one and the other clause is a compound one?

eg,

I went to a store to buy some stuff; afterward, I went to a post office to mail a letter and followed it a dinner at Believer's.

Believer

Joined on Mon, Jan 2 2006

Contributing Member (1,969)

Clauses, Colons, Semicolons

Clive

#302475 Sun, 10 Dec 06 02:33 PM

Hi,

Fundamentally, what matters is the closeness of the connection, rather than the length of the parts.

But it's also the kind of closeness. There has to be some impact, eg some drama, some thoughtful contrast, some literary effect, some style. Otherwise, almost everything you write could be punctuated by semi-colons.

Your example is too trite for a semi-colon, in my opinion. Smile [:)]

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (21,183)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

Colons, Semicolons

Grammar Geek

#302670 Mon, 11 Dec 06 04:54 AM

Clive, if you had been my Secret Santa person, I would have gotten you a bottle of "Semicolon-B-Gone." It's not yet widely available, but I'm working on a special batch of it just for you in my basement laboratory.

Grammar Geekenstein.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (15,583)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

Grammar, Colons, Semicolons

Clive

#302695 Mon, 11 Dec 06 06:10 AM

Hi GG,

Are you familar with the Abbott and Costello sketch in which people go berserk when Costello tells them he wants to find the Susquehanna Hat Company on Bagel Street?

Semi-colon? Aaaaargh, semi-colon! Don't mention semi-colons to me!

Best wishes; Clive

Clive

Colons, Semicolons