Semi-Colon usage

[Tinker]

Hey,

I wanted to start a thread on semi-colon usage. I am finding that I probably use commas where a semi-colon would work better.

I'm hoping for something more than just a repeat of the wiki page as I've read it and I kind of get it. I am not looking to understand how to use a semi-colon in theory, but more in practice.

Any tips?

[What Exit?]

Not much of a tip from me but we have some professional writers on Mellophant so they should be able to help out. I let Word tell me when to use a semi-colon instead of a comma though. Usually where two sentences are forced together the semi-colon should be used.

Example: first wrong and the corrected.

The new border is set, King Holl declares the newly joined kingdoms to be Empire of Western Thelland and raising his son’s title to Emperor Hollis.

The new border is set; King Holl declares the newly joined kingdoms to be Empire of Western Thelland and raising his son’s title to Emperor Hollis.

[Tinker]

LOL your sentence is awkward; you should put: 'THE raising OF his son's title'.

[What Exit?]

Well as I said, hopefully a pro stops by. I know I am not.

[What Exit?]

wrong thread

[pepperlandgirl]

You can use a semi-colon in place of a comma and a conjunction. Its purpose is to link to independent clauses--that is, two complete sentences. If you just have a comma linking two independent clauses (with no conjunction) then you have a comma splice. You should also use semi-colons when using coordinating conjunctions.

Incorrect: I love to go to films however the audience always ruins the experience.
Correct: I love to go to films; however, the audience always ruins the experience.

Incorrect: A brief survey of the area shows that all minerals will be depleted in five years therefore I suggest searching for a new mining location.
Correct: A brief survey of the area shows that all minerals will be depleted in five years; therefore, I suggest searching for a new mining location.

Essentially, if you have two complete thoughts that you would like to link in one sentence due to style or meaning, use a semi-colon.

[Tinker]

Thanks Pepperland Girl, that finally helps me to understand it.

[OneCentStamp]

Pep nailed it. I'm a severe overuser of semicolons; I find myself eliminating them all the time upon self-editing, breaking my compound/complex sentences into smaller, more easily digestible pieces.