(More than) Zero Punctuation

[Saskwach]

This thread is not about Yahtzee. You've just been punk'd.

Now to the real topic. Something that's always confused me is the use of the semi-colon and the hyphen. I've noticed their use and figured out some vague ideas but I'm unsure. So I ask you, fellow Escapees, how and in what circumstances is a semi-colon used instead of a comma or a colon and a hyphen rather than parentheses?

PS: I think one example might have been in this very post and it's killing me already.

USER RECEIVED A ONE-WEEK BAN FOR THIS POST

 

[Saskwach]

; is for when you intend to proceed with an example or point.

, is when you are changing direction mid-sentence.

i could be (am most probably) wrong, but thats how i've always used them and as yet have gotten away with it.

Yep, that was my general understanding, but how exactly is ; different to :?

 

[Tango]

A regular colon ) is used when you are about to list something.

A semi colon ( is used when you are going to continue along the same lines on which you were previously talking but with a pause.

 

[tiredinnuendo]

I use a comma to seperate a simple compound sentence, idea, or name.

Examples:
1. My uncle, John, is coming to visit.
2. I was going to the store, but I got lost.

I use a colon to make a list.

Example:
Each of the following is included in the "meat" food group: steak, bacon, eggs...

I use a semicolon to seperate a complex compound sentence, or a compound sentence that does not contain a conjuction.

Example:
1) My uncle, John, is coming; but, due to illness, he'll be late.

I'm not saying that this is the *only* correct useage (it's English, after all), but it's what I learned, and I'm pretty sure it's correct.

- J

 

[Cameoflage]

A semi-colon is used to separate parts of a sentence that are grammatically capable of standing as self-contained sentences, but which the author wishes to enclose within the same one; it can also be used to separate list items that contain commas. (The former use being demonstrated right there.) You can use an en-dash or a pair of hyphens for basically the same thing if you so choose - as shown below - but I personally read that as a slightly shorter separative pause.

Hyphens versus parentheses are basically a matter of taste -- one can mix and match as they please (except for opening with a hyphen and closing it with a parenthesis or vice versa, of course). I like to regularly switch between the two in the things I write because either one gets monotonous if you see it a lot, and I have a habit of including a lot of tangential thoughts.

Commas are basically used to indicate pauses, but in practice it's more common than that; you wouldn't include a comma at every pause longer than the one between two words, just the places where you naturally break up the sentence -- most frequently, after conjunctions and in lists.

Colons are, as mentioned, used for making lists. I very occasionally use whole colons where semicolons work, but that's a personal quirk; on the other hand, though, the fact that no one's complained so far (including my inner Grammar Nazi) means that the English language is probably capable of supporting such usage.

 

[Anton P. Nym]

The best usage guide, in my opinion, is Eats, Shoots, and Leaves... much less theoretical and more an historical and practical guide, plus the snark is to-die-for. (And the punctuation correction kit it comes with is a hoot too.)

When I get a chance, I'll pick up my copy again and see how the authour describes the use of colon, semicolon, and hyphen.

-- Steve

 

[wilsonscrazybed]

Nice to see people taking an interest in grammar. Now about those week-long bans... See you when you get back from purgatory man.

The best usage guide, in my opinion, is Eats, Shoots, and Leaves... much less theoretical and more an historical and practical guide, plus the snark is to-die-for. (And the punctuation correction kit it comes with is a hoot too.)

When I get a chance, I'll pick up my copy again and see how the authour describes the use of colon, semicolon, and hyphen.

I recommend Strunk and White to anyone except the British. Don't want you all to get your dirty hands on our grammar secrets.

 

[Tango]

Britain invented grammar and speaking and everything else cool...

 

[Anton P. Nym]

I recommend Strunk and White to anyone except the British. Don't want you all to get your dirty hands on our grammar secrets.

Well, Strunk and White is the definitive (authoritative?) source... but it's dry as burnt toast. Eats, Shoots, and Leaves is at least a fun read, even if it isn't anywhere close to being as exhaustive.

-- Steve

 

[Singing Gremlin]

I was always told you use a semi colon where you are explaining your previous clause, or the second part has something directly to do with the first.

E.g.
The ice-cream melted; it was a hot day.
Or
My jaw hurt like hell; my dentist is a sadist

Or at least that's who I use em and it's worked pretty well so far.

And mild indignant (childish) patriotism here; I don't want Yank grammar anyway! So there!
*flounces off*