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How do I know what proper uses for a semicolon (;) are? (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by sopularity_fax@sopuli.xyz to c/nostupidquestions@lemmy.ca

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It seems to me like where a period would be too strong and I want the clause after to be considered equally at the same time or possibly as a counterbalanced thing to whatever is to the left of it

If it were to parse it purely linguistically, it seems like not quite a list of things but perhaps a relevant after thought that a comma would be too weak for and a period too strong

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[–] mindbleach@sh.itjust.works 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)

It sounds like you've got it. It separates two clauses, preferably not more; it works like a soft period.

Misuse is throwing thirteen in a row as a substitute for periods. Or worse, using it in lieu of commas, parentheticals, and footnotes simultaneously. Here you go, Tristram Shandy, good luck keeping this whole page in your head at once.

[–] AnarchistArtificer@slrpnk.net 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I have a bad habit of overusing semicolons. Usually, when I proofread some of my writing and find a semicolon I can eliminate, it's when a semicolon isn't necessary to show relatedness between two clauses, and that I'd be better served in letting the flow of the text fulfill that role instead.

I've found that a good trick for reducing unnecessary semicolons is to read a text aloud, where semicolons involve taking a breath/pause that's shorter than a full stop, but longer than a comma. If I find myself running out of breath, I probably need more full stops.

Edit: everyone should be proud of my restraint in using zero (0) semicolons in this comment