How to use the semicolon

[JamesSavik]

How to use the semicolon: by the Oatmeal

[hh5]

i did buy the oatmeal; its still says quaker oats ;-)

[Tiger]

It's actually easy for me to remember how to use a semicolon. Commas have a lot more uses, so I consider them more difficult to remember. I'm sure some people have problems with them though.

[Drak]

I knew of a publishing house where the editor had a rule, no semi-colons. Ever. For any reason. He felt they were unnecessary and argued passionately against them. He wanted the semi-colon struck from the language.

 

However, Stephen King uses semis all the time with no ill effect. I don't have a strong opinion on the matter myself. I think they are fine. I also think that exposure to the puritanical editor warped my brain, because I never used semi-colons again. But I don't think it matters one way or the other, as long as the semi-colon is used in the proper manner or at least a consistent manner, as is the case with King.