The Misuse of Semicolons: When Writers Try Too Hard to Show Off

Semicolons (aka semi-colons), with their distinctive shape and subtle power, hold a special allure for writers. They are often seen as a mark of sophistication and mastery of the written word. 

However, in the pursuit of showcasing their writing skills, many writers fall into the trap of misusing semicolons, ironically undermining their intended effect. Let's explore why this happens and how to avoid this common pitfall.

Writers often succumb to the temptation of using semicolons in an attempt to elevate their prose, thinking that this punctuation mark adds a sense of intellectual weight or complexity. Unfortunately, this desire to impress can result in the misuse of semicolons, leading to confusion and unintentional errors.

One common mistake is using semicolons to connect unrelated or loosely related independent clauses. Semicolons are primarily used to join closely related independent clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences. Placing a semicolon between unrelated thoughts disrupts the natural flow of the writing and creates confusion for readers.

Another misuse occurs when writers employ semicolons as a substitute for other punctuation marks, such as commas or periods. They may believe that using a semicolon instead of a comma or period adds a touch of sophistication to their sentences. However, this can result in convoluted and hard-to-follow prose. It's essential to remember that each punctuation mark serves a specific purpose, and using them correctly enhances clarity and readability.

To avoid misusing semicolons, writers should focus on the intended function of this punctuation mark: to link closely related independent clauses. When two independent clauses are related in thought and could function as separate sentences but share a strong connection, a semicolon can be used to join them.

Additionally, it's crucial to consider the overall readability and flow of the writing. While variety in sentence structure is important, it should not come at the expense of clarity. Instead of relying on semicolons excessively, writers should explore alternative sentence constructions, such as using commas, periods, or conjunctions to join related thoughts.

An effective way to improve the use of semicolons is to read widely and study the works of accomplished authors who employ them skillfully. Observe how these writers seamlessly integrate semicolons to enhance the flow and meaning of their sentences. Analyzing their usage can provide valuable insights into the proper and effective use of semicolons.

Lastly, a personal note: I find it really annoying when a writer uses a semicolon and then forgets to capitalize the first letter of the second independent clause. It really shows that it is amateur hour when they forget to do that.

In conclusion, while semicolons can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to writing when used correctly, many writers fall into the trap of misusing them in an effort to demonstrate their skills. It is important for writers to remember that semicolons are best used to join closely related independent clauses. By focusing on clarity, readability, and purposeful punctuation, writers can avoid the pitfall of misusing semicolons and achieve the intended effect of their writing—without sacrificing coherence or confusing their readers.

In other words, maybe just don't use semicolons at all if you don't know how to use them properly.