Wednesday, July 21, 2010

GRAHAM'S GRAMMAR TIP #3


THE SASSY SEMICOLON (;)

Unfortunately, the simple ‘comma’ does not cover it all… 

RULES:

1.) Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by and, but, nor, for, yet, and so.

Example: Understand the problem; don’t just fix it.

2.) Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by such words as for example, besides, nevertheless, etc.

Example: I’m pretty sure she was wrong; nevertheless, it is not worth the battle.

3.) Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.

Example: The winners of the Spelling Bee are Andrea, first place; Jose, second place; and Heather, third place.