Grammar post #2

Yes lame title, I know, but it helps me to keep them straight so, deal with it.

So now that I have mastered the art of possessive nouns, (ok maybe not mastered, half the time I can't even spell the word right. I always want to spell noun with a w instead of a u. For some reason spell check has a problem with that) what grammar issue do I move on to next?

I think probably the single rule that I have the most trouble with is semicolon use. I have NO idea when to use a semicolon and so avoid using them all together.

Upon checking the grammar section of our text book I discovered there are TWO ENTIRE PAGES on the correct use and placement of semicolons. No wonder I've never been able to keep the rules straight. Leave it to the English language to have so many rules for one simple punctuation mark.

The first and most simple rule is, to use a semicolon to join independent clauses where the second clause restates or sets up a contrast to the first. This emphasizes the second part of the sentence. Such as: In reality the car was red; I had only thought it was pink. (hmm, I wonder if that is the proper use of a colon. I guess that will have to be my next post.)

Rule two: Use semicolons to separate items in a series when they include internal commas. Such as a list of lists. For this semester of school I needed to buy eight books including, The St. Martin's Guide to Writing for English 1010; The Nature of Alexander, The Roman Way, The Assassination of Julius Caesar and, Much Ado About Nothing for Western Civilization; Elementary Algebra and, The Student's Guide to Elementary Algebra for Math 990 and; New Beginings for my Returning Adult Forum class. (ok so that rule isn't too hard to understand)

The last rule is somewhat related to the first. A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses when the second clause contains a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression. Because a semicolon shows a strong relationship between independent clauses it is used to reinforce the connection expressed by the adverb or transition. Always place a semicolon between the two clauses, no matter where the adverb or transition appears. Place the adverb before the conjunctive adverb or transition if it begins the second independent clause.

So I had no idea what a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression were either. So here are a couple of definitions and examples. Just to make life a little easier.

I'm still not sure if I completely understand the proper use of semicolons but at least the subject is a little less unclear. Hopefully as I continue to write, and likely refer back to this post, I will gain a better understanding of their proper use.

As a side note for some reason Blogger has had issues with the italics option tonight and has wanted this entire post typed in italics. As you can imagine this has caused much frustration and annoyance and should in and of itself qualify this post for a higher grade than would normally be the case. ;) <- also a great use of the semicolon, the winking smiley face!