Semicolons
 1.
If you are in any doubt
at all about semicolons - then
avoid using them.
2. They often cause more
problems than they solve.
3.
It
is
possible
to
write
clearly
using
only
the comma and
the full
stop.
4.
The
semicolon
represents
a
pause
which
is
longer
than
a comma but
shorter
than
a full
stop (and
a
colon).
5.
It
is
normally
used
to
separate
clauses
which
could
stand
alone,
but
which
are
closely
related.
Neither
of
us
spoke;
we
merely
waited
patiently
in
silence
to
see
what
would
happen.
6.
It
is
used
when
the
clauses
describe
a
sequence
of
actions
or
different
aspects
of
the
same
topic:
There
was
a
sharp,
bracing
air;
the
ground
beneath
us
was
dry;
the
sea
was
calm
and
clear.
7.
It
is
used
before
clauses
which
begin
with
'nevertheless',
'therefore',
'even
so',
'for
instance':
He
usually
took
great
care;
even
so
he
made
a
few
errors.
8.
It
is
used
to
mark
off
a
series
of
phrases
or
clauses
which
themselves
contain
commas:
For
this
exercise
you
will
need
the
following
materials:
some
scrap
paper;
a
pen,
preferably
blue
or
black;
some
A4
envelopes;
and
some
good,
white,
unlined
writing
paper.
9.
If
you
are
in
any
doubt
about
the
semicolon
-
don't
use
it!
|
