Grammar question

[duckie]

Think of semicolons as a way to separate independent but related thoughts. One way to think of it is whether or not you could replace the semicolon with a conjunction. If you can, then a semicolon is likely appropriate. For example:

- He wanted to go to Canada; his brother preferred to stay home.

(Note the semicolon from this could be replaced by a comma, followed by "but".)


As for a list, use semicolons to differentiate groups within the list (e.g., as in jenfrazer's post); however, use colons to introduce the list. For example:

- I'm inviting a few people to the party: Bob and Susan; Jim and Sarah; and Tom, Dick and Harry.


At least, this is my understanding. But then, keep in mind I'm an engineer, which is often synonymous with being linguistically-impaired. ;D

[Lissa]

But I'll back him up on his use of semi-colons and full colons.

I overuse dashes, so I'm really not the best person to ask about it!

[duckie]

... and I overuse ellipses... but don't seem to be the only one to do that in this forum...

[DocD83]

You're right as far as I know Duckie. There's one other use for the colon though, and that's to separate "independent clauses if the second summarizes or explains the first." Seems to be a bit arbitrary compared too using a semicolon for cramming together sentences, but that's what the book says.

[funkymartini]

I've either been told that its your own choice, or that option 1 is wrong. Regardless, I usually go with option 1.

[BDC]

Here's what the English department I deferred to said:

Either is acceptable, just be consistant.

As for the colon/semicolon, well, the already-stated semi-colon is correct as I understand it. I think there's a use for the colon that's kind of a "therefore" usage, but I don't exactly know how to give a correct example.

[Lissa]

The engine was minimally instrumented, with no provisions for the control of such variables as inlet air temperature and humidity: the baseline numbers were generally not repeatable on a daily basis.

At least, that's proper according to the leader of my research group, who seems to have The Elements of Style memorized.

[jenfrazer]

The colon can be used to introduce a quote or series, and is occasionally used for emphasis. If the element after the colon is a complete sentence, you have to capitalize the first word.

Lissa, that sentence should be broken up. Otherwise, I'd use an emdash, but not a colon. At the very least, you'd need to capitalize "the."

[DocD83]

This must definitely be a "how you were taught" kind of thing, since my grammar book makes no reference to capitalization and calls the em-dash "informal" compared to the colon.

[jenfrazer]

This must definitely be a "how you were taught" kind of thing

I'm an AP girl. I spent a few years as a copy editor, so my grammar leanings are definitely newspaper-y. Which is why I wouldn't use an emdash there. I'd use a period.

[Al]

Different question, same subject (thus, it's in the same thread): When is it okay to use 'monies' as opposed to the plural 'money' and 'persons' as opposed to 'people'?

Al
-yes, I have an english degree, but I really hate grammer

[bladestarr]

You see now why English needs to goto fonetik spelling? It wuld all bee mux eesee-er if we spelt laik this!

Hehe, just kidding, don't want to open that can of worms again. Besides, I learned that English is fine just as it is -- it keeps the rest of the world confused as to how two seperate groups of English speaking peoples came to rule the known world twice in recent history when they can't even agree on how to spell colo(u)r! ;D

[DocD83]

When is it okay to use 'monies' as opposed to the plural 'money' and 'persons' as opposed to 'people'?

According to Webster.com, "money" is always singular. So it would be "How much money does she have?" vs "She has many monies." I think. I'm not too clear-headed right now. "Monies" has kinda fallen out of favor anyway.

It wuld all bee mux eesee-er if we spelt laik this!

Now I'm reading with a thick accent.