Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Do you think use of semicolons will cause others to think you're smarter than they otherwise would? (Original Post) raccoon May 2013 OP
that one won't... n/t nebenaube May 2013 #1
It helps prove you were an English major, in case there are doubters LiberalEsto May 2013 #2
I happen to be very fond of semicolons; it's a quirk of mine. Scuba May 2013 #3
No; I think it's the colon: In_The_Wind May 2013 #4
I use a hell of a lot of semicolons every day. CBGLuthier May 2013 #5
No wonder I can't ever find one... Wounded Bear May 2013 #6
That's not how you use a semicolon. TrogL May 2013 #7
I'm partial to run-on sentences, so I use them a lot. RILib May 2013 #8
I am too. And should use them more often. Moondog May 2013 #12
Then I should've used a comma, to have a comma splice. nt raccoon May 2013 #9
Why; do you ask ? eppur_se_muova May 2013 #10
I'm afraid I'm fond of them; they're just the right touch sometimes. nolabear May 2013 #11
Of; course; it; will! KamaAina May 2013 #13
 

LiberalEsto

(22,845 posts)
2. It helps prove you were an English major, in case there are doubters
Tue May 7, 2013, 09:48 AM
May 2013

Is that a semicolon in your pocket, or are you _________________(fill in the blank).


"Q: What is the purpose of the semicolon?
A: It can be used to either (1) separate two independent clauses, or (2) indicate an insect attack.
EXAMPLES:
(1) "Well, I'm a clause that certainly doesn't need any help!"; "Me either!"
(2) "Be careful not to bump into that ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; AIEEEEEEE!"_________________________________" -- Dave Barry as Mr. Language Person

CBGLuthier

(12,723 posts)
5. I use a hell of a lot of semicolons every day.
Tue May 7, 2013, 10:02 AM
May 2013

Since damn near every programming language since Pascal uses it as the symbol for the end of a line instead of the period they are hard to avoid.

As far as english usage I have not a clue.

Wounded Bear

(58,442 posts)
6. No wonder I can't ever find one...
Tue May 7, 2013, 10:54 AM
May 2013

You guys are using them all up.

Shit, now I have to go to Staples. Do they have semicolon cartridges on sale this week?

Moondog

(4,833 posts)
12. I am too. And should use them more often.
Thu May 9, 2013, 05:56 PM
May 2013

But then I would seem even more pedantic than I am in reality.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Do you think use of semic...