Semicolon
The semicolon ( ; ) is another form of punctuation used to make your writing easier to read. It has two uses.
1. A semicolon separates items in a formal list.
It is stronger than a comma, and makes a more definite statement.
The hidden curriculum can be seen in schools when little boys are called on more than girls; when only Eurocentric histories are taught; when teenage girls are socialised to believe that they are not good at maths and science; and when counsellors track non-whites to classes that prepare them to serve.
In preparing essays, students should be aware of many things: the nature of the question; the style that is required; the word length; the logic of the introduction, body and conclusion; and the accuracy of the bibliography.
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(Note: the second example contains both commas and semicolons. If only commas were used, the list would be confusing as the reader would be unsure where one item on the list ends and another begins; thus the semicolons create clarity and order. Also, you should always place a semi-colon between the second last item and the last item.) |
2. Semicolons are also used to join two sentences when only a light break is required.
This can avoid the problem of the run-on sentence. A semi-colon is weaker than a full stop and ends the sentence less sharply. Thus, a writer can use a semicolon when two sentences are closely linked in meaning. This preserves the link better than a full stop.
The best teachers expect respect; they also give respect.
Many students are troubled by the use of semicolons; they look like colons and are frequently confusing.
The overriding passion of teachers must be the quality of teaching and learning; their pursuit of this must be both endless and tireless.
