Re: conjunctive adverb with comma and semicolon

Clive — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:32:11 GMT

Hi,

Usually a semicolon is used to with two independent clauses when a conjunctive adverb is used. I don't agree. A semi-colon joins two independent clauses.

eg correct Tom loved Mary; Mary did not love Tom.

eg i~~ncorrect~~ Tom loved Mary; whereas Mary did not love Tom. 'Whereas Mary did not love Tom' is not an independent clause, because it can't stand as a sentence by itself.

If you use a conjunction, you don't need a semi-colon, because the conjunction itself supplies the connection.

Good. But I feel the two independent clauses can be independent in structure but cannot be independent in thought linkage -- that is, they have to related in thoughta and ideas. Am I right? I think I am right because I found some online references supporting it. Yes, you are right. The semi-colon indicates a close connection. I would add that the two parts should have some style or importance.

She loved him with all her heart; she never told him. sounds OK

I took out the garbage; it was smelly. sounds stupid.

What is confusing is when what looks to be two independent clauses in structure is connected by a comma, rather than a semicolon. You don't neesd a semi-colon becsause there is a conjunction to supply the connection.

The average bamboo floor costs about $5 to $7 a square foot, not including installation, whereas walnut or pine can cost nearly $10 a square foot. OK

I feel that the color part can be said to be an independent-in-structure clause, but I could be wrong. Why did the person write it as this with a semicolon?

The average bamboo floor costs about $5 to $7 a square foot, not including installation; whereas walnut or pine can cost nearly $10 a square foot. Not OK

Should they in semicolons or in separate sentences and not commas? How can I know?

1. This task requires cooperation among members, similarly it could be said that it requires dedication. Two sentences. 'Similarly' is not a conjunction.

2. He was poor, therefore it was hard for him to buy basic necessities.Two sentences. 'Therefore'' is not a conjunction.

3. Give him a break. He was busy at that time, moreover, he was sick to really pay attention to what he was doing. Two sentences. 'Moreover' is not a conjunction.

4. He was poor, neverthless he gave the poor man the money.Two sentences. 'Nevertheless' is not a conjunction.

In examples 1 to 4 above, you could also use a semi-colon to join the two parts. I wouldn't, because the adverb supplies sufficient connection.

Let me finish by offering my personal opinon about semi-colons. Don't use them excessively, or your writing will start to seem unnatural and irritating to the reader. About one semi-colon a month sounds acceptable. I never use them myself.

After English learners are taught about semi-colons, they often have them in just about every sentence on every page. Bad idea.

There are other people on the Forum who do not share my semi-colon phobia.

Best wishes, Clive

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Re: conjunctive adverb with comma and semicolon