14 Mar 21
@fmf saidThe much maligned semicolon has had a resurgence as the key feature of the winking emoticon.
The semicolon is likely the least understood of the standard marks, and so it is not used by many English speakers. [wiki]
I think the humble but ubiquitous comma is misunderstood and misused too, sometimes.
14 Mar 21
@handyandy saidYes; it got replaced by (ugh) comma splices.
The much maligned semicolon has had a resurgence as the key feature of the winking emoticon.
@bigdoggproblem saidI don't like them, I won't stand for them.
Yes; it got replaced by (ugh) comma splices.
14 Mar 21
@fmf saidThe comma is used in different ways in different languages. In Swedish there are rules how the comma should be used (although much ignored in modern writing). When I studied English I learned that you must not have the comma before a subordinate clause starting with 'that'. In Swedish, that is where the comma should definitely be used.
The semicolon is likely the least understood of the standard marks, and so it is not used by many English speakers. [wiki]
I think the humble but ubiquitous comma is misunderstood and misused too, sometimes.
14 Mar 21
@fmf saidI use semicolons quite a lot; but I’ve no idea if I use them correctly; frankly I don’t care; either.
The semicolon is likely the least understood of the standard marks, and so it is not used by many English speakers. [wiki]
I think the humble but ubiquitous comma is misunderstood and misused too, sometimes.
14 Mar 21
@fmf saidAnd don’t get me started on the Oxford comma....
The semicolon is likely the least understood of the standard marks, and so it is not used by many English speakers. [wiki]
I think the humble but ubiquitous comma is misunderstood and misused too, sometimes.
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14 Mar 21
@pianoman1 saidI much prefer that refreshing pause provided by my colon: It's especially nice when I'm feeling listless.
And don’t get me started on the Oxford comma....
Yes. I meant it.
😁
14 Mar 21
@divegeester saidNow that is the best question I've heard on here in sometime! Especially, since we have people from around the world who speak different languages and English isn't their first language.
Is it just me who thinks all this protectionism of semicolon use, is the stuff of orthographic snobbery, or is the conservation of grammatical markers an important element in maintaining good social interactions?
-VR
14 Mar 21
@very-rusty saidSmooch some more butt, Rusty.
Now that is the best question I've heard on here in sometime! Especially, since we have people from around the world who speak different languages and English isn't their first language.
-VR
Go ahead, don't let us stop you.
14 Mar 21
@divegeester saidFor those interested in grammar, it's a way to show the structure of a sentence. Semicolon is vanishing, we hardly see it any more in texts, but so are also other grammatical essentials. You see children writing sentences not using full stop or comma and they avoid capital letters; it's a growing thing or phenomenon.
Is it just me who thinks all this protectionism of semicolon use, is the stuff of orthographic snobbery, or is the conservation of grammatical markers an important element in maintaining good social interactions?
My family mock me mercilessly for being the Grammar police!
The semi colon is as necessary to the English language as the sustain pedal is to a pianist; it provides just the right degree of hiatus between clauses. Longer than a comma, but not so final as the full stop, it offers a more fluid transition from one theme to another. It is a vital tool in the armoury of the grammar practitioner, whereas the Oxford Comma is a pedantic, stylistic abomination.
14 Mar 21
@pianoman1 saidwhut chu talkin bout; willis?
My family mock me mercilessly for being the Grammar police!
The semi colon is as necessary to the English language as the sustain pedal is to a pianist; it provides just the right degree of hiatus between clauses. Longer than a comma, but not so final as the full stop, it offers a more fluid transition from one theme to another. It is a vital tool in the armoury of the grammar practitioner, whereas the Oxford Comma is a pedantic, stylistic abomination.