This lovely little skit has tremendously increased my appreciation of and for the en dash, and I’m grateful that you posted it. Thanks!
2 Likes
I use commas and semicolons regularly because they have defined usages and serve established understanding of writing. If language evolves to a dash, I’ll roll with it. But until then, I’m comfortable with commas and semicolons, even in emoticons. 
1 Like
I still don’t have a good sense of when to use one. 
What is your wisdom, oh apostle of the ; ?
1 Like
Well… since you asked… 
There’s the classic adage of: a semi-colon being “stronger than a comma but weaker than a period.” I love that; it’s so true! Though keep in mind that it is best used to join two independent clauses when a conjunction is not used; but, I will sometimes use a semi-colon even if I use a conjunction — as I just did with the semi-colon before the “but.” I do that because I think it looks cool and gives me another opportunity to use a semi-colon; besides, it’s part of my aforementioned quirk and writing style.
Speaking of which, I once had a teacher write on my essay that I use “too many semi-colons!” HA! 
Little did she know that I had only just gotten started in my liberal approach to this underappreciated, yet potent, punctuation mark!
Semi-colons are also good for lists that already have commas in them; for example: “I enjoy eating a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and berries; and veggies such as kale, cucumbers, and sprouts; and donuts!”
They can also be used as I used it above, before “for example,” as it can be used to create a break between clauses when a transition is used; the semi-colon, when used in this way, is both softer than a period and harder than a comma.
It’s also great for making emotes
LOL!
Thank you for asking!
3 Likes
Ah! That’s lovely. I might incorporate that into my style. Usually, I just start a new sentence. But it usually looks abrupt; so, maybe I’ll start using semicolons for that?
But yeah; the boundary between clauses and sentences is vague (as any linguist will tell you) and there’s nothing wrong with short sentences, but long sentences—incorporating the full gamut of punctuation marks—is definitely where it’s at!
2 Likes
I love where your mind is with the semi-colon! I sense another convert is joining the ranks!
Though I will point out that you flew a bit too close to the sun with this one:
A comma, ellipsis, or even a em-dash would have been good there.
But it doesn’t matter; it’s always better to have the errors of enthusiasm than the complacency of experience! Nevertheless, you’re pointed in the right direction — and with time and practice — you’ll be a semi-colon master, with your own punctuation dojo, before you know it! 
2 Likes
As I said: I still don’t have a sense of when to use it!
Thank you, master!
1 Like
A nice guide: