How to Use a Semicolon

poplitealqueen:

Sit the fuck down, kids. It’s time to learn something.

Ever wondered how you could use this nice, spicy piece of punctuation mark without looking like a dumbass? Here’s an easy, fandom-esque version of doing just that!

First of all, what the fuck is a semicolon for? A semicolon is used to indicate a pause, much like a period or a comma. The difference is that the pause isn’t quite as long as an end mark, nor as brief as the pause of a comma. It’s nice and comfortable in the middle, like the smallest character in your OT3 after the big fuckapalooza chapter.

How the Hell do you use a semicolon? Simple! Here’s a few rules to live by:

*Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses not linked by a coordinating conjunction ( things like this: and, but, or…)

Example: Chirrut believes in the power of the Force; Baze believes in the power of really fucking OP blaster cannons.

*Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses connected by a conjunctive adverb such as however, therefore, nevertheless, furthermore, and consequently.

Example: Gimli and Legolas fucked constantly during their Quest with Aragorn; however, the two swear up and down that they are not a couple.

*Use a semicolon in a series with internal punctuation. In a complex series, it may be hard for readers to know if commas are a part of items or separating the items. In such cases, semicolons can be used to separate the items.

Example: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have made out all across the galaxy, but especially all over Coruscant, from the Jedi Temple to Palpatine’s office; on Naboo, in the Lake Country; and on Tatooine, on top of the Skywalker Angst Hill.

*Use a semicolon between independent clauses if commas are in one or both of the clauses.

Example: Hera loves Ahsoka, that strong, mysterious former Jedi; and best of all, Ahsoka loves her, too.

I hope that was informative for you! Remember, punctuation can make or break your writing. Use it wisely.

(Special thanks to Grammar Sucks – What to Do to Make Your Writing Much More Better by Joanne Kimes & Gary Robert Muschla for having such a fantastic section on punctuation.)