Use of Semicolons, Dashes, Parentheses, and Commas

1.  The semicolon has two primary uses.  First, it is used to join together two main clauses that could be separated by a period; second, it is used for clarification when there are multiple commas in a series.

a. A semicolon may join two main clauses, each of which could stand alone.

• It would be wise to take umbrellas; those clouds coming from the north look ominous.
• I hope that Jill will be able to play; she is the best forward we have ever had.

b. A semicolon may also join two main clauses which are joined by conjunctive adverbs, such as therefore, hence, however, nevertheless, accordingly, on the other hand, thus, then.

• The day was cold and blustery; therefore, we did not go out jogging.
• Many people like butterscotch on ice cream; however, those with refined tastes prefer chocolate.

c. In addition, semicolons may replace commas in a series to avoid possible confusion.

• He has lived in Buffalo, New York; Shreveport, Louisiana; Afton, Wyoming; and Ivins, Utah.
• We took exams on September 2, 1999; November 15, 1999; and December18, 1999.

2. The dash is for an abrupt break in thought (the highest degree of interruption). Such a dash points the reader's attention to the material within the dashes or following a single dash.

• One of them----let me call him Jim Prude--is an Ivy Leaguer.
• In some instances--although few will admit it--the police overreact to situations.

  NOTE: THE DASH IS ALSO USED AS A LINKING DEVICE:

1. The dash can be used to mean "that is to say" before an explanation.

• Jefferson believed in a decentralized governmental system--the political power was to be in the hands of the people.
• Our hearts usually go out to those with a terrible affliction--the exception may be the too-common response to those with AIDS.

2. Use a dash when the word or word group that follows it constitutes a summation, an amplification. or a reversal in tone or idea from that which went before it.

• English, psychology, history, and philosophy--these were the courses I took last quarter.
• If he was scolded, he became violent--a reaction all of us resented.
• Emily Dickinson probably overused the dash--but with a brilliant effect.

3.  Use a dash to introduce an internal list of items.

• As we drove through Zion National Park, many animals--snakes, squirrels, wild turkeys, and deer--appeared on the side of the road.

3. Parentheses are used for incidental, explanatory information (the middle degree of interruption).

• All the students were charged a paper fee (usually 50 cents) during the last two school years.
• During the post-war years (at least from 1946 to 1952), the law was not challenged.

4. Commas are used for breaks in the flow of the sentences (lowest degree of interruption). A comma points the reader's attention forward to the material that is yet to come.

• The professor, the man on your left, is a noted occult authority.
• Her theory, while I can't be absolutely positive, is not original.

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