Semicolon. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.

[abu nuwas]

I have just noticed a flaw in this: it is a heap of cock.

The informatics dept at Sussex- in the form of one Larry Trask - asserts glibly that a semi-colon may only be used to join sentences. That is depressing on a personal level, as my grand-daughter wants to go to Sussex. Evidently, it is not what it was in the days of Prof Eysenck.

First, there is no reason to exclude it from joining phrases, thus:

You never knew with him: shucking peas; jumpin' around; swimmin' in the lake; buildin' a tree-house; readin' books. Oh I knew he'd go to the dogs.

It may join words. When he was grown, he was a good son, but he was forever a-killing;torturing;maiming and I don't know what.

It is used when enumerating items , thus:
Upon hearing the Applicant the Court now ORDERS

I) The property known as 'Billy's Castle' be sequestered; and

II) The Official Receiver in Bankruptcy DO SEIZE all those chattels listed in Appendix A; and

III) The proper authorities be notified that the said Billy is now deemed to be an outlaw



I can think of a few dozen other uses. Perhaps Larry would spend his time more profitably teaching 11 year olds about 'informatics', whatever the fuck that is.

I hope these comments are of help.