Apparently, Wireless 911 Will Kill You > Too late

reply to k1ll3rdr4g0n

Re: Too late

I hate to keep posting so terribly OT here, but imagined grammatical superiority in someone who makes a grammatical error in the post where they're making fun of someone else for their grammar irritates me.

Correct Usage of the Semicolon (;)
The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc. When beginning the second independent clause after a semicolon, do not use a capital.

Correct Usage of the Comma with Independent Clauses
When linking two independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, for, so, nor, yet), place the comma before the conjunction. Remember: do not use the comma if you do not have two independent clauses.

Therefore, your semicolon before 'but' was not correct; a comma would have been. And when combining two sentences, a semicolon and not a comma. Oh yeah, and the link:

»hubpages.com/hub/Semicolonvscomma

Not that any of this matters. AT ALL.

From another source (Wikipedia), a contradiction to what you just wrote:

Between independent clauses linked with a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb: "I like to eat cows; however, I don't like to be eaten by them."

I guess it depends on your source...

Actually read my post above again. You CAN use a semicolon before 'however'. Both sources agree, but for future reference Wikipedia is not a good source as anyone can change it at any time. I have a degree in English by the way.

I agree about Wikipedia, but your source actually says the same thing:

"A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc. When beginning the second independent clause after a semicolon, do not use a capital."

I considered my "but" to be a conjunctive adverb since it was a shorter substitute for "however". That may or may not be valid - I'll leave it to the experts

Seriously guys? So OT it isn't even funny. There is no such thing as perfect English. Give it up.
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-M

LOL, I'm just hoping to generate enough traffic to hit the ticker. JJ.

reply to SLD