0
SJ88 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

The semicolon

Hi everyone

Just wondering: Does the semicolon put an end to the effect of a dash?

Eg. John -- come here; Elise -- go there.

Now I know some people might not agree with the use of the dash in such circumstances, but please put that aside for the moment. If we were to agree that the dash is appropriate, would the semicolon be correct as well?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Interesting question. I would indeed not mix them, as semicolons are distinctly formal, while m-dashes are distinctly informal, but having said that, your example reads to me as if the semicolon did end the dashed phrase.

— Mister Micawber

  • Interesting question.
  • I would indeed not mix them, as semicolons are distinctly formal, while m-dashes are distinctly informal, but having said that, your example reads to me as if the semicolon did end the dashed phrase.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
Interesting question. I would indeed not mix them, as semicolons are distinctly formal, while m-dashes are distinctly informal, but having said that, your example reads to me as if the semicolon did end the dashed phrase.
0

Related Questions