Vaughn C. Hardacker
Since I started writing, I’ve been told several rules, a couple of which I’ve never seen written in any style manual. Rule #1: I’ve heard countless times–never use semicolons in dialogue. Then I read a John Grisham bestseller, and he used sems in dialogue. Prior to using Word, I didn’t even know what a semicolon was. When I began writing with Word, the darn things showed up everywhere. I decided to delve into this further. I recently read an article by a NYC writer, Bennett Kleinman, and here are his thoughts
4 Important Ways To Use a Semicolon
The semicolon is one of the most misunderstood (and misused) English punctuation marks. When should you use a semicolon? Let’s learn more about the specific functions of this unique punctuation mark.
The semicolon appears to be a visual blend of a colon and a comma, and it can perform similar jobs to each of those punctuation marks. Its primary use is to link ideas that are closely related in thought, but that’s a task that can also be done by a comma or an em dash. In part because of this, the semicolon is one of the most misunderstood (and misused) English punctuation marks; let’s learn more about the specific functions of this unique grammatical tool.
To Connect Independent Clauses
The most common way to use a semicolon is by joining two independent clauses. That means it links together two stand-alone clauses into one sentence. We’re going fishing; you can borrow one of my poles.
Tomorrow is the big game; I can’t stay out late tonight.
Keep in mind that the two independent clauses should be closely related. Otherwise, it makes more sense to break them into separate sentences. It’s also important to note that a comma can’t replace a semicolon in this usage — that creates a comma splice.
Another note: If there is an independent clause and a dependent clause, it’s not a place for a semicolon. Dependent clauses feature a subject and a verb, but aren’t complete sentences. If there’s a dependent clause, a comma and a coordinating conjunction are likely needed instead of a semicolon.
In Place of a Conjunction
Independent clauses can be joined by a semicolon or by a comma and a coordinating conjunction. (Use the mnemonic FANBOYS to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.”)
The following example illustrates how the semicolon replaces the comma and the coordinating conjunction:
Vaughn went to the party, but Jane stayed at home. / Vaughn went to the party; Jane stayed at home.
The snake slithered past my feet, yet it didn’t seem to notice me. / The snake slithered past my feet; it didn’t seem to notice me.
When the semicolon links the independent clauses, it shows a relationship or contrast. It can also create variety. For example, the semicolon allows a writer to add a longer sentence among other short, clipped sentences.
With Conjunctive Adverbs
Semicolons are also used to link clauses when the second begins with a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression. These include “accordingly,” “furthermore,” “however,” “instead,” “otherwise,” and “therefore.”
Vaughn set an oven timer; nevertheless, he burned the casserole.
Jane helped her brother study; however, he failed the class.
As long as it’s joining two independent clauses, using a semicolon is appropriate.
To Separate Items on a List
In speech, pauses or visual cues can break up long lists of items, but writers rely on punctuation to do the heavy lifting. Semicolons can make a long or complicated list of items easier to read. Typically, these are lists that contain phrases or other internal punctuation that might be difficult to read without semicolons.
My book tour is visiting Portland and Bangor in Maine; Chicago and Springfield in Illinois; and Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.
The semicolon should be used only if the list contains three or more elements, and they’re elaborate enough that the extra punctuation would help readers understand the meaning.
Not a single book that I consulted specifically addressed dialogue. Shortly after I was told the rule, I read a novel by John Grisham, and right off the bat, he broke the rule. Personally, I have my own rule: avoid them whenever possible. In one of my novels, Microsoft Word used them a lot, and I had to do a line-by-line edit and wherever possible, separate the independent clauses into sentences. Which, by the way, was my editor’s recommendation.
