Saw your post and id really be happy if you could help me with the ";".
English is not my 1st language and im still learning pls forgive me if this is a stupid question 😭🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
WHAT IS “;” AND WHY DOES IT HAUNT US?
A semicolon is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. It’s like a period who still wants to hang out.
1. You have two complete sentences that are closely related, and you want them connected without a full stop.
> I was tired; I kept writing anyway.
BOTH sides of the semicolon must be able to stand alone. If you read them separately and they make full sentences, congrats. You may semicolon.
2. You’re listing things that already have commas in them and it’s turning into a word soup:
> I’ve lived in Belgrade, Serbia; Paris, France; and New York, USA.
Imagine if that had only commas. A nightmare.
3. You want to feel fancy and dramatic:
> He was chaos; I loved him anyway.
Is this emotionally unnecessary? Maybe. But does it slap? Yes.
Don’t use it like a comma. It’s not a comma. It didn’t ask for that.
Don’t put it between a full sentence and a dependent clause. That’s how grammar crimes happen.
And remember- there are no stupid questions! I love all your questions! Questions give me life!
