Part 19 (1/2)

4. The Semicolon

=43. Compound Sentences.=--A semicolon is used in compound sentences to separate independent clauses that have no connective between. The semicolon in such constructions, however, is fast disappearing from newspaper columns. Complex constructions are avoided. Usage favors making a separate sentence of the second clause.

=Right.=--Brown came first; Johnson followed five seconds later, with Jones third.

=Permissible.=--The murder was committed sometime before 12:00 o'clock; at 8:00 this morning the murderer was in jail.

=Better.=--The murder was committed sometime before 12:00 o'clock. At 8:00 this morning the murderer was in jail.

=44. Lists.=--In lists of dead, injured, guests, etc., where the name of the town from which the persons come or the place of residence is given, separate the different names by semicolons.

=Right.=--Among those present were: Allen Rogers of Las Vegas, N. M.; Orren Thomas of Benton, Mo.; Mr.

and Mrs. Henry Barnes of Sioux City, Ia.

=45. Athletic Results.=--In football, baseball, and similar athletic results, use a semicolon to separate the names of the teams and their scores: as, _Cornell, 21_; _Syracuse, 14_.

=46. Instead of Commas.=--A semicolon may be used instead of a comma when a clause or sentence is so broken up by commas as to need some other mark of punctuation to keep the larger phrase- and clause-relations clear.

5. The Comma

=47. Parenthetic Expressions.=--Parenthetic words, phrases, and clauses, whether used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, are set off by commas when they cause a marked interruption between grammatically connected parts of the sentence. If in doubt about the need of a comma, omit it.

=Right.=--He, like many others, believes firmly in the rightness of the new movement.

=48. Words in Apposition.=--A word in apposition with another word and meaning the same thing should be set off by commas.

=Right.=--Henry Owen, lineman for the local telegraph company, was the only witness of the accident.

=49. With ”namely,” ”that is,” etc.=--A comma is placed before _and_, _namely_, _viz._, _that is_, _i.e._, _as_, _to wit_, etc., when introducing an example, an ill.u.s.tration, or an explanation.

=50. Contrasted Words and Phrases.=--Set off contrasted words and phrases with commas.

=Right.=--Hard work, not genius, was what enabled him to succeed.

=Right.=--The faster they work, the better they are paid.

=51. Introductory Words and Phrases.=--Introductory words, phrases, and clauses at the beginning of a sentence, when they modify the whole sentence and serve as a connective, are set off by commas.

=Right.=--Yes, he had even tried to bribe the officer.

=Right.=--On the other hand, the prisoner had taken her for a member of the gang.

=52. In Direct Address.=--Words used in direct address are set off by commas.

=Right.=--Mark this, gentlemen of the jury, in his list of forgeries.

=53. Explanatory Dates and Names.=--A date explaining a previous date or a geographical name explaining a previous name is set off by commas.

=Right.=--On April 2, 1916, she was arrested at Chicago, Ill.