Semicolons: Does anyone really use those anymore? I know I ‘never’ use them, unless in cases of the following: a list, a time, an answer and question. I have always been confused about how to use them. Also, I don’t think that I’ve ever been told to use a semicolon when introducing a quote, I’ve always used commas. I feel like the other rule, about using a semicolon when the second part of your sentence amplifies or interprets the first part, is a bit nebulous and open for interpretation: how can I be sure my semicolon is interpreting or amplifying? I am trying to practice using semicolons here, and maybe semicolon will win me over after becoming familiar (Rule 7, p. 9-11).
The dash— so abrupt and alarming—that I hesitate to ever use it. I feel like dashes should be reserved for fiction. I rarely use these – I am no Emily Dickenson.
Keeping related words together is one of the most important rules because it can cause reader confusion about what is trying to be said. This one drives me crazy when I have to read other people’s writing and there is some mix up in the describing of things: I saw this a lot in a creative writing class I took. However, I’m guilty of this too, and need to read my work with fresh eyes to identify when I accidently separate my related words (Rule 20, p. 28-31).
Nowadays, it seems very common to inject one’s own opinion into a piece of writing. Unless the piece is a formal paper, I like to hear opinion, so long as there is some kind of supporting evidence. Why are blogs, comments on news articles, editorials, and opinion pieces so popular if we shouldn’t use them? I guess it could be motivated purely by self absorption, but for me, I like to read that stuff. I feel like Rule 17(p. 79-80) is outdated for common writing.
One other note about S & W, I know that they provide incorrect examples to illustrate their point further; however, I’m always afraid to actually read these. I have a sense that if I see just as many bad examples as good examples to follow, I won’t remember which is which, or have a sense of what ‘looks’ correct. Sometimes if you see a sentence and it looks a bit different, you can determine that the grammar is off, but what if you are used to seeing incorrect grammar, then it doesn’t jump out at you with vigor, surprise, and an eerie feeling.
I don’t know if this helps, but a semicolons are used to “balance” to sentences when you want to directly connect them for emphasis. I like using semicolons; they are easy to use with practice. As in my example, the semicolon (;) seperates two complete sentences that are directly connected and implies a deeper meaning by the connection.
I know we’re only supposed to comment on essays and discussion and what not, but I got a kick out of your section on dashes. It was quite well done.