Punctuation smackdown!

boomerang wrote:

In typical writing I think I would go with the comma but for some reason this sounds more forceful with the longer pause indicated by the semicolon.

Longer pause? Really? In any case I would resist the temptation to use a semicolon as a "supercomma".

You can never have too many exclamation marks, I'd go for about 23.

1. Use a semicolon as a soft period. By using a semicolon instead of a period between two sentences, you show that those two sentences have a closer relationship to each other than they do to the sentences around them. The semicolon, in a sense, connects the sentences. (If you added a coordinating conjunction and a comma, you would show less of a connection; and with a period you show only the connection of proximity.)

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2. Use a semicolon to connect main clauses containing internal punctuation. Think of a comma as a brief pause, a semicolon as a more moderate pause, and a period as a stop, and you can see the logic of the hierarchy.

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Semicolons

It's no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a comma's, but short of a period's full stop

Semicolons have other functions, too. But first, a caveat: avoid the common mistake of using a semicolon to replace a colon (see the "Colons" section).

Incorrect: I have one goal; to find her.

Correct: I have one goal: to find her.

Rule 1. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences.

Examples:
Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.
We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract.

BINGO!

cicerone imposter wrote:

BINGO!

Jane Straus says that... I think people don't talk in semicolons, they talk in commas, simply pausing as they gather their breath.

I think I've used more ellipses per post numbers than anyone else at a2k. I consider it a weakness... but then I would.