MrB, I agree with your assessment of the proper use for semicolons. Hey, but what about dashes and dots?
I am not exactly sure what the "book" says about semicolons, but I tend to use them for two related statements, as opposed to two separate sentences, when I am trying to clarify a statement without affecting the tone of the paragraph. Sounds confusing; I know.
To use your example:
"He went to the store; hungry for donuts was he"...
If, say, the next sentence were about the guy going to the cleaners then I would use a semicolon as I would want to keep the focus of the paragraph on the "where" and not the "why". If, however, the next sentence were about what he did at the donut shop then I might be tempted to use separate sentences.
As for dashes ("--"), I would use them to clarify or call attention to an important point. For example: "He went to the store-- he had no other choice." OK, maybe that's a stretch but you get the point-- right?
And, lastly, I would use dots ("...") to show a disjointed connection or to express some sort of confusion or stream of consciousness. For example: "He went to the store... at least he said he did." But, hey, I program computers for a living... so what do I know?
Does this make sense to anyone? If not-- tough; try and stop me... if you dare. (gg)
- Jeff |
