Semicolon (;)

Linking 2 Independent Clauses Together

When 2 or more closely-related and independent clauses are next to each other, you can link them together using semicolon (;). These clauses however, must be independent in nature. By replacing the semi-colon with a period, they can stand own its own without alternation.

Examples

1. I don't want to ride the Mega Sky Coaster; I'm afraid of height and that rides sound terrifying!
   • I don't want to ride the Mega Sky Coaster.
   • I'm afraid of height and that rides sound terrifying.
2. I want to get a pet turtle; however, I think it might scare my baby brother.
   • I want to get a pet turtle.
   • However, it might scare my baby brother.

Caveats

• Don't link too many sentences together. It creates a very lengthy sentence which is
  • hard to speak
  • can be confusing.

Guidelines

• Try to speak the sentence in normal breath (length control).
• Keep things simple, if possible.

Super-listing

It is the "comma" for items that uses comma in it. It is mainly used for avoiding confusion.

Examples

• I've lived in New York, NY; Sans Francisco, CA; Knoxville, TN.
  • New York, NY
  • Sans Francisco, CA
  • Knoxville, TN
• I need to buy a textbook, a workbook, and a dictionary for Spanish; a calculator for Math; and a map, and a compass for geography.
  • a textbook, a workbook, and a dictionary for Spanish
  • a calculator for Math
  • a map, and a compass for Geography

Checklist for Grammar Review

1. How many sentences require linking?
   1. ONE - no linking is required.
   2. Are the context related?
      1. NO - don't link.
   3. After linking all of them up, can you speak the whole sentences in 1 breath / 1 go?
      1. NO - don't link. Split them to an acceptable length then repeat this checklist again.
   4. Is comma being used in them?
      1. YES - use semicolon (;)
      2. NO - use comma (,)
2. Listing - Is the items using comma already?
   1. YES - use semicolon to split the items as a super list.