The semicolon is used frequently in
the popular press, but not by everyone. As an exercise, find an
article online and use your browser's search function (use the
Ctrl key + F to launch the find box; type in a semicolon, then hit
"enter") to find each semicolon. When you find an example, copy
the sentence into your word processor and have a close look.
Note that for some articles you
will find NO semicolons. Others use them frequently. Ask yourself
why some writers use them and some do not. If you are not sure how
to use a semicolon, check the worksheet, "Using
the Semicolon (Wisely and Well)"
Examine how the semicolon has been
used in each of the sentences you find. What are the connections
of meaning? Are there other ways that the semicolon is used that
you find surprising? Do any of the writers break rules of grammar?
Here's an interesting article,
TV Dinners, on the rise of food television (Food Network
etc.) from The New Yorker that has at least ten semicolons to get
you started.
Learn to
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