0
Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Semicolon and sentence fragments
Hi! I am wondering if there is anything wrong with this sentence: "John's father was in Paris; his mother, in Bermuda". To me this construction looks correct, but I'm wondering how it could be considering the rule that a semilcolon must be followed by an independent clause.
Top answer
I've seen opinions that the semicolon may serve as a "strong comma," but not in English Forums. )
- I've seen opinions that the semicolon may serve as a "strong comma," but not in English Forums.
- )
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
I've seen opinions that the semicolon may serve as a "strong comma," but not in English Forums.
(In this case, it's stronger than the comma following "mother," which is clearly needed.)
(In this case, it's stronger than the comma following "mother," which is clearly needed.)
00
Hi,
I'd write it thus.
"John's father was in Paris, and his mother in Bermuda".
Clive
I'd write it thus.
"John's father was in Paris, and his mother in Bermuda".
Clive
00
AnonymousJohn's father was in Paris; his mother, in Bermuda.I have to admit that the style is a bit archaic. It reminds me of the old fireside gang-sing number from the turn of the last century:
(to the tune of Auld Lang Syne)
Now both of them to college went, for reasons quite specific:
Josephus academic was, Bohunkus scienti
0
Related Questions