I never knew that writing was so intricate: semicolons, contractions, and capitalization.

Now, the comma before the “and” is optional, but I prefer using it for clarity.

Thanks! That’s a very insightful question. Grammatically, the function of a semicolon is to join two sentences, but when should (or shouldn’t) you use it? The clause following a semicolon doesn’t necessarily give further detail, but it should have a close relationship to the first clause. There should be a reason the two are specially linked. Using a semicolon is a choice, and as a writer, by using a semicolon, you’re saying to the reader that these two sentences go together. Semicolons are exceptional punctuation. They should not be overused. You’re making a special point when you join two sentences with a semicolon, so you need to keep that in mind when choosing whether or not to use one. Using semicolons is part of your writing style, and you need to find your own voice. There aren’t hard and fast rules on when to use semicolons because they’re an optional kind of punctuation. You can write perfectly well without ever using a semicolon. I wouldn’t say your second example is “incorrect,” but it’s probably not great judgment in normal, everyday writing. The semicolon gives extra importance to what Tim said, and maybe in the context of a dramatic story, there might be a particular reason to join those sentences together. In short, your instincts are right, but this isn’t so much an issue of right-and-wrong as style, voice, and choice.

Liz

For example, it can be used in this way, “The parents were ecstatic to see their daughter again; they hadn’t heard from her in over three years,” but it is not considered correct to use the semicolon in this way, “We need to go to the grocery store; Tim said we will go at 2 p.m.”

My understanding is that the semicolon is supposed to be used when conjoining one sentence to another to give further detail. In the sentence, “The parents were ecstatic to see their daughter again; they hadn’t heard from her in over three years,” the semicolon is correct because the second sentence explains why they are ecstatic to see their daughter. In the second sentence, about going to the store, it not correct because the time we will go to the store has nothing to do with why we need to go. I understand that a period should be used in the second sentence and not a semicolon.

Am I correct? Thanks for the clarification.

Rebecca C.