A semicolon is sometimes ignored, often abused, and generally a bit confusing. A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses without using a fullstop or a conjunction. Typically the second sentence is related to the first but not a direct consequence – think of it as being an afterthought! Generally you can avoid using semicolons by using a conjunction but you should not use a conjunction with a semicolon. Example: Generally you can avoid using semicolons by using a conjunction; you should not use a conjunction with a semicolon (see what I did there?).
Some more examples:
I have a cat and my sister has a dog. Cats are better than dogs.
becomes
I have a cat and my sister has a dog; cats are better than dogs.
or
I love cats but sometimes I get annoyed with all the cat hair on my clothes.
becomes
I love cats; sometimes I get annoyed with all the cat hair on my clothes.
Before you get all excited about semicolons and start whacking them into every sentence you write please remember: semicolons are to be used for good, not evil; never abuse the semicolon and the semicolon will never abuse you.
I am rather hopeless with semicolons! No matter how hard I try I don’t seem to get it so I am now in the unfortunate habit of just winging it! Shame on me!
Katy, I feel you will appreciate this:
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon
This is BRILLIANT! And exactly what I needed! Thanks Stef
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