Harriet Diamond - The Pause That Refreshes

The Pause That Refreshes

By Harriet Diamond

creator of harrietdiamond.net

Do you ever use semicolons? Many writers avoid them because they are misunderstood. The semicolon is a stronger pause than a comma, yet not as strong as a period. Take a risk and add a few to your writing.

The semicolon connects two complete, related thoughts:

More and more people are careful about spending; many items that were once considered necessities are now thought of as luxuries.

The trees are so colorful in the fall; every scene is worthy of a photograph.

The semicolon creates order in a sentence replete with commas:

The company president, John Howard; the vice president, Ofra Daniels; and the management team left for a retreat.

My favorite writers use colorful images, analogies, and strong language; and they make each page come alive.

Even stronger: My favorite writers use colorful images, analogies, and strong language; they make each page come alive

Some words that connect two complete thoughts are preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. These usually demonstrate cause and effect and include therefore, consequently, nevertheless, however, and inasmuch as.

I never trusted him in business; however, I always found his ideas interesting.

The meeting has been rescheduled; therefore, everyone can leave early.

These same words, when used in the middle of a thought, are set off by commas:

I, however, never trusted him in business.

The meeting, therefore, has been rescheduled.

Look at something that you’ve recently written. Can you add variety by replacing a period and/or a comma + and or but with a semicolon?

Grammar in Plain English Writing the Easy Way E-Z English Executive Writing American Style Perfect Phrases for Writing Company Announcements